Chief Justice George will retire from California bench
July 15, 2010
California: Yesterday, Ronald George, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court announced that he will step down at the end of his current term, on January 3, 2011. At 70 years old, George did not give one specific reason for retiring, though he did imply that it was time to start thinking about his quality of life.[1]
Chief Justice since 1996, George has taken part in rulings reflecting controversies in society. One of his most notable, authoring the case that permitted same-sex marriage in California, will undoubtedly be a part of his legacy. However, George sees his administrative work as one his greatest achievements, helping to build "a coequal, independent branch of government".[1][2]
At the time of his retirement, George will have been involved in the California judiciary for 39 years. Originally appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court by Ronald Reagan, George also served on the Los Angeles Superior Court and California Courts of Appeal before joining the Supreme Court in 1991.[3]
Allowing Governor Schwarzenegger to appoint a replacement was a motivation for retiring at this time. George said, "I feel a great sense of reassurance in the exemplary level of appointments this governor has made."[2] As long as the governor appoints a new justice by September 15, 2010, she or he may run for retention in the November general election. Schwarzenegger ultimately chooses and appoints the successor, but will receive suggestions for nominees from the State Bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaulation and the nominee will be confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.[2]
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