Vermont Supreme Court Justice John Dooley, the court's longest tenured member and a staunch liberal voice, is retiring, WCAX-TV reported Thursday.

Dooley, a 72-year-old New Hampshire native who attended Boston College Law School, was appointed to the bench in 1987 by former governor Madeleine Kunin. He had previously served as her secretary of administration.

Dooley, a South Burlington resident, told the news station he'll step down when his term ends in March.

Dooley voted with the majority in Baker v. Vermont, the 1999 case that established the right of same-sex couples in Vermont to join in civil unions.

He is often among the more aggressive and colorful questioners on the five-person bench. Dooley's wife, Sandy Dooley, served for several years on the South Burlington City Council.