Final answer:
Justice Stevens based his dissents on a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the law, focusing on maintaining the judiciary's role as an impartial guardian of the rule of law and upholding civil liberties. His dissent comments highlight the importance of judicial impartiality and adherence to legal principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
On what grounds did justice Stevens base his dissent? In multiple instances, involving varying cases throughout his tenure, Justice Stevens' dissents have been based on a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the law, often adhering to the principles of judicial restraint and upholding what he perceived as the intended protection of civil liberties and ensuring the impartial application of the law. Notably, in reference to a contentious presidential election, Justice Stevens lamented that while the identity of the winner may remain uncertain, the true loss was to the nation's confidence in the judiciary.
It is apparent from his comments and opinions that Justice Stevens often valued the role of the judiciary as an impartial guardian of the rule of law and had instances of disagreement with majority opinions that he felt were not in alignment with these principles. His dissents serve as an integral part of legal discourse, reflecting the tension between different judicial philosophies and interpretations of the law within the highest court of the United States.