Justice Stevens staff move: Signal?

Justice John Paul Stevens has so far hired just one law clerk for the Supreme Court term starting in October 2010, a court spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday. That may be an indication that Justice Stevens, 89, is considering retiring next year.

Supreme Court justices generally have four law clerks, while retired justices have one.

There is, of course, nothing to prevent Justice Stevens from hiring additional clerks later on. The newest member of the court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, hired four clerks in short order after her confirmation last month.