Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea stepping down

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea said Thursday that she will step down from the court in October, giving Gov. Tim Walz a legacy appointment in her replacement.

The announcement was unexpected because Gildea was highly engaged in her work, had not publicly hinted at retirement and, at 61, is years away from the mandatory retirement age of 70. She has served as chief justice for 13 years.

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During her tenure, Gildea said, the system made "tremendous strides to increase access to justice in Minnesota, modernize the work of our courts, and navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic." In March, the court ordered expanded camera access in courtrooms. The order, which takes effect Jan. 1, gives trial judges total discretion to decide the issue. Previously, all parties involved in the case had to agree.

Gildea wrote in the eight-page ruling that the change will "promote transparency and confidence in the basic fairness that is an essential component of our system of justice in Minnesota and protect the constitutional rights and safety of all participants in criminal proceedings in the State."

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https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-supreme-court-chief-justice-lorie-gildea-stepping-down/600282933/