Mark Cady facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Cady
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| Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court | |
| In office January 11, 2011 – November 15, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Marsha Ternus |
| Succeeded by | David Wiggins (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1953 Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | November 15, 2019 (aged 66) Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Independent |
| Education | Drake University (BA, JD) |
Mark Steven Cady was an important American judge. He was born on July 12, 1953, and passed away on November 15, 2019. He served on the Iowa Supreme Court for 21 years. From 2011 to 2019, he was the chief justice of the court. He is well-known for writing the court's decision in a case called Varnum v. Brien. This decision helped make marriage legal for all couples in Iowa.
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Early Life and Education
Mark Steven Cady was born on July 12, 1953. His birthplace was Rapid City, South Dakota. His parents were Kenneth and Suzanne Cady. He went to Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1971.
After high school, he attended Drake University. He earned a degree in economics in 1975. Later, in 1978, he received his law degree from Drake. He was a very good student, earning a special honor called the Order of the Coif.
A Career in Law
Mark Cady started his law career in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He worked there as a lawyer for five years. This included time as a law clerk. He also worked as an assistant county attorney.
Becoming a Judge
In 1983, Mark Cady became a judge. He was first appointed as an Iowa District Associate Judge. Three years later, in 1986, he became an Iowa District Judge.
In 1994, Governor Terry Branstad chose him for a new role. Cady was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals. By 1997, he became the youngest chief judge in the history of that court.
Serving on the Supreme Court
Just four years later, Governor Branstad again promoted Cady. He was appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court. In 2010, Cady became the interim chief justice. Then, in 2011, he was officially elected to a full term as chief justice. He continued to live in Fort Dodge during his time on both courts.
As a justice, he wrote many important decisions. One of the most famous was in 2009. It was the unanimous decision in Varnum v. Brien. This ruling made Iowa the third state to allow all couples to marry.
Justice Cady also worked to improve the legal system. He started the Iowa Access to Justice Commission. This group helps people get legal help. He also led the national Conference of Chief Justices. He chaired the Board of Directors for the National Center for State Courts. Besides his court work, Cady taught at Buena Vista University. He taught there from 1980 until his death.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mark Cady married Rebecca Cady on May 22, 1982. Their wedding took place in Des Moines, Iowa. They had two children together.
He passed away suddenly on November 15, 2019. He was 66 years old. He suffered a heart attack while walking his dog.
After his death, Drake University and the Iowa State Bar Association honored him. They created the Cady Day of Public Service. Drake University also started a special program. It is called the Cady Law Opportunity Fellow Program. This program helps law students from diverse backgrounds.
