President’s Message – Oct./Nov. 2022

The very essence of civil liberty certainly consists in the right of every individual to claim the protection of the laws, whenever he receives an injury. One of the first duties of government is to afford that protection. – Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137, 163 (1803)

The Polk County Bar was proud to host a recent reception honoring the judiciary. The reception was organized by the PCBA’s Bench & Bar Committee and was a wonderful occasion. We would like to thank the Committee and its Co-Chairs Judge Jeffrey Farrell and Drew Gentsch.  We would also like to thank Justice Edward Mansfield for providing keynote remarks. Finally, we would like to thank all those who were able to attend. For those who were not able to attend, this note provides a few high points.

As you may recall, the PCBA’s Bench & Bar Committee generally holds this reception annually. However, due to the pandemic, we had not been together for such an occasion since 2019.

There is exceptional service to recognize. We honor the passing of former Chief Justice Mark Cady, former Chief Justice Arthur McGiverin, Justice Daryl Hecht, Justice Bruce Snell, Judge Rosemary Sackett, and Judge Colin Witt. We honor those who have matriculated to senior status, including Justice Bruce Zager, Judge David Danilson, Judge Gayle Vogel, Judge Amanda Potterfield, Judge Richard Doyle, Judge Michael Mullins, former Chief Judge Arthur Gamble, Judge Odell McGhee, Judge William Price, Judge Karen Romano, and Judge Craig Block. We honor those who have retired, including Justice David Wiggins, Justice Brent Appel, Judge Carol Coppola, Judge John Jarvey, and Judge Celeste Bremer. We celebrate those who have joined the judiciary or joined a new Bench.

A token of that recognition can be seen in the 42 jurist profiles that were assembled in a slideshow for the reception. Those profiles illustrate impressive backgrounds and provide insight to our jurists’ general good nature. You might consider viewing the slideshow at your opportunity. It is available here. May it be a quiet reminder of the decent people who dedicate their professional lives in service to the judicial oath. There is no higher calling.

It was important to honor the Bench last month. Our Bar appreciates that the strength of our judiciary rests on the dedication of its jurists. Where their lives are well-lived, the example is as inspiring as it is essential.