California Justice Baxter to retire

SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - California Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvin Baxter announced on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection in the November general election.

Baxter will conclude his current term of office and retire on January 4 after 32 consecutive years of public service and 24 years on the California Supreme Court.

"I have been privileged to have such an interesting and fulfilling career in the law, serving as a deputy district attorney, in private practice, as appointments secretary to Governor George Deukmejian, and as an associate justice on the California Court of Appeal and Supreme Court," Baxter said. "It is a great honor to have served on the state's high court since 1991. With three chief justices, twelve associate justices, and excellent staff, I have been able to contribute to its substantial body of opinions and case law."

After serving as Deukmejian's principal advisor on all gubernatorial appointments for six years, Deukmejian appointed Baxter as an associate justice of the Court of Appeal in the Fifth Appellate District in 1988. Deukmejian nominated Baxter to serve as an associate justice of the California Supreme Court in 1990, and he was subsequently confirmed by the electorate. He was reelected to a second 12-year term in 2002.

"At the local and statewide levels I was gratified to have the opportunity to assist Governor Deukmejian in the appointment of more than 700 judges and numerous executive branch appointees, and to have supported the evolution of our judicial branch of government as a member of the Judicial Council of California and its committees," Baxter said. "Jane and I look forward to an active retirement and will focus our time and attention on family and friends, traveling, hobbies, and charitable activities."

Deukmejian praised Baxter as a good friend and a trusted advisor.

"(Baxter's) quiet yet thoughtful demeanor served as a steady influence during some troublesome times that I experienced in the governor's office," Deukmejian said. "His endless efforts resulted in well established recommendations that I grew to rely upon, especially in the selection of individuals for judicial appointments. His accomplishments both on and off the bench have been justifiably praised by all who know him."