Continued emphasis on fair and impartial justice as Dickson transfers leadership to Rush
On June 11, 2014, Brent E. Dickson announced he would step down as Chief Justice of Indiana before September first and continue serving as an Associate Justice on the five-member Supreme Court. When Dickson informed the Judicial Nominating Commission of his plans, he said, “It has been a great joy and a privilege to have helped continue the Court’s tradition of excellence—especially with four hard-working colleagues who are devoted to the law.” He further observed, “I am looking forward to being able to spend most of my time in legal research, deciding cases, and writing opinions.” Justice Dickson faces mandatory retirement effective in July 2016 when he turns 75.
Dickson became Chief Justice in May 2012 after serving as Acting Chief Justice following the retirement of Randall T. Shepard. The Commission unanimously voted for Dickson—who had served on the Court for 26 years as an Associate Justice—to become Chief Justice. A public investiture ceremony took place in August 2012.
Appointed to the Court in 1986 as the 100th Justice, Dickson had been urged to accept the position to provide stability and continuity to the judicial branch. Dickson explained, “Knowing that my tenure as Chief Justice was limited, each Associate Justice has actively participated in much of the administrative responsibilities and decisions of the office of Chief Justice.” He observed, “The time is right for this transition. The Court and state will be well served when one of my colleagues is selected as the next Chief Justice.”