The Fargo Forum recently conducted an interview with Judge John Irby, published on December 11th, reflecting on his 22 years of service as a district judge and his upcoming retirement. The interview was conducted by Tasha Carvell.
Judge Irby, when approached for an exit interview to discuss his long career, responded in a manner consistent with his reputation. "As much as I just want to sort of fade away I would certainly be willing to say a few things about my experience," he said.
Irby is recognized by colleagues, friends, and attorneys as a "humble" and "common sense" judge who "cared about the humanity of everyone who appeared before him." He will retire at the end of this year after serving in the East Central Judicial District for 22 years. During this time, he presided over the state's most successful drug court for 18 years and served as the district's head judge for the last three years.
The full story is available on the Fargo Forum website: https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/after-22-years-judge-john-irby-known-for-his-decency-and-diligence-on-the-bench-gavels-out