INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Gov. Mike Pence has named Indianapolis attorney Geoffrey Slaughter to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Pence announced Monday he had chosen Slaughter from among three finalists selected in March by the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission.
Slaughter’s appointment fills a vacancy on the five-member court and is Pence’s first appointment to the court.
The 53-year-old Slaughter succeeds former Justice Brent Dickson, who retired last month before he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 in July.
Twenty-nine people applied for a chance to replace Dickson. The commission chose 15 semifinalists before selecting as finalists Slaughter, St. Joseph Superior Judge Steven Hostetler and Boone Superior Court Judge Matthew Kincaid.
Slaughter was a finalist for the state Supreme Court in 2012, when then-Gov. Mitch Daniels tapped Loretta Rush for the bench.
Pleased and privileged to present Indiana’s 109th Supreme Court justice, Geoff Slaughter pic.twitter.com/kSsmzNedek
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 9, 2016
Retiring Justice Dickson, who served the IN Supreme Court for 30+ years, leaves a tremendous legacy of integrity & devotion to the judiciary
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 9, 2016
In 30 year legal career, Geoff has demonstrated a first rate legal intellect, unparalleled understanding of constitutional & antitrust law
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 9, 2016
Geoff has a remarkable ability to think & write clearly on complex legal issues, & steadfast commitment to improving local & legal community
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 9, 2016
I’m confident Geoff will uphold the rule of law and protect and defend the Constitution in a way that will guard Hoosier liberties
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) May 9, 2016
