The investiture ceremony for Justice Jeffrey J. Funke as Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court is scheduled for November 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol.
Judge Todd Hutton from Sarpy County will commence the proceedings. Former Chief Justice Michael Heavican will administer the oath of office to Justice Funke, while Governor Jim Pillen will present him with the certificate of appointment. Retired District Court Judge Randall Rehmeier is set to deliver remarks on Judge Funke's appointment.
The ceremony is open to the public.
Justice Funke's appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Michael Heavican on October 31, 2024. He was appointed as Chief Justice on November 1, 2024, by Governor Jim Pillen and initially joined the Nebraska Supreme Court on June 15, 2016, under Governor Pete Ricketts.
In Nebraska, judicial power is distributed among various courts including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts. These operate under the administrative guidance of the Supreme Court. Additionally, Nebraska's judicial system includes separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties and a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.
For more information about Judge Funke’s judicial profile: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/courts/hon-jeffrey-j-funke-chief-justice