Judge David K. Arterburn of the Court of Appeals, Fourth Appellate Judicial District, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025. In a letter to the Governor and Chief Justice, Arterburn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nebraska over two decades as both a district court and appellate court judge.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the State of Nebraska for the past twenty years as a district court and appellate court judge," he wrote. He also thanked the governors who appointed him and acknowledged his colleagues in Sarpy, Otoe, and Cass Counties, as well as fellow judges on the Court of Appeals. Additionally, he extended thanks to his staff and "the many dedicated employees throughout the judicial branch who work hard every day to provide the citizens of Nebraska with the service they deserve."
Arterburn is recognized for his commitment to civics education through active participation in programs such as the Nebraska High School Mock Trial program via the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and engaging with students through initiatives like the Court of Appeals College Campus Initiative.
His career includes serving on various judicial committees for both the Supreme Court and Nebraska District Judges Association along with involvement in Robert M. Spire Inns of Court. Before joining the Court of Appeals in 2017, Arterburn was a judge at the District Court in Sarpy, Cass, and Otoe counties from 2005 to 2017. He also served as a judge for Sarpy County Adult Drug Court between 2008 and 2017.
The Constitution of Nebraska distributes judicial power among several courts including Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, county courts along with separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy Counties; additionally having a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court under administrative direction by Supreme Court.