Ternus is elected next chief justice

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By Charlotte Eby | Wednesday, September 6, 2006 12:20 AM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Iowa Supreme Court Justice Marsha K. Ternus has been elected the court’s new chief justice, making her the first woman to serve in the position, state officials announced Tuesday.

Ternus was selected by fellow members of the Supreme Court. She will replace current Chief Justice Louis Lavorato when he retires later this month.

The chief justice delivers the annual State of the Judiciary address to Iowa lawmakers and the governor in addition to assigning cases and performing other administrative duties. A total of 15 other states have women serving as chief justice, Iowa court officials said.

Ternus, 55, of Des Moines, has served on the Iowa Supreme Court since her appointment by then-Gov. Terry Branstad in 1993.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as chief justice and appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” Ternus said.

A native of Vinton, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1972 and her law degree from the Drake University Law School in 1977. She was in private practice before joining the court and served as president of the Polk County Bar Association.

Ternus said she will work to strengthen court oversight in child welfare matters to ensure the well-being and safety of children living in foster care.

“This goal is one of the court’s top priorities and one in which I will continue to be personally involved,” she added.

Justice Mark Cady described Ternus as devoted to moving the justice system to greater heights.

“She has experience and vision, and is a tireless worker. She has the full support of every member of the court,” he said.

The justices initially said they would wait to select a new chief justice until after new members joined the court, but they decided instead to pick a successor to Lavorato before he leaves.

Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.