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Sep. 6--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 court officials announced Tuesday.
Ternus was selected by members of the Supreme Court to serve as their new chief. 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 state lawmakers and the governor, as well as assigning cases and performing other administrative duties. A total of 15 other states currently have women serving as chief justice, according to Iowa court officials.
Ternus, 55, of Des Moines, has served on the Iowa Supreme Court since her appointment by former 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 in a statement.
A native of Vinton, Ternus received her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1972 and her law degree from 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 in a statement she would 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," Ternus said.
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," Cady said.
The Supreme Court initially had said it would wait to select a new chief justice after new members joined the court, but decided to pick a successor for Lavorato before he left.
Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
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Copyright (c) 2006, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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