North Dakota’s longest serving justice will retire January 31st. Gerald VandeWalle has spent 44 years on the North Dakota Supreme Court – 27 years as chief justice.
The 89-year old VandeWalle cited health challenges as a reason for stepping down in a notice to Governor Doug Burgum.
In a prepared statement Burgum says Justice VadeWalle has served the State of North Dakota with great honor…distinction…and dedication.
Under state law, the Judicial Nominating Committee must forward a list of nominees to the governor to fill the Supreme Court vacancy within 60 days of receiving notice that the vacancy exists. Within 30 days of receiving the list, the governor has three options: 1) fill the vacancy by appointing from the list of nominees; 2) return the list of nominees and direct the committee to reconvene; or 3) call for a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
A native of Noonan, North Dakota, Chief Justice VandeWalle attended the University of North Dakota, and in 1955, received a bachelor of science degree in Commerce from the School of Business. In 1958, he received a juris doctor degree magna cum laude from the University of North Dakota School of Law.
Picture: AP
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