Mark V. Meierhenry facts for kids

Mark V. Meierhenry (October 29, 1944 – July 29, 2020) was an important lawyer and public servant from South Dakota. He is best known for serving as the 26th Attorney General of South Dakota from 1979 to 1987. An Attorney General is the chief legal officer for a state. They act as the state's main lawyer.

Early Life and Schooling

Mark V. Meierhenry was born and grew up in Gregory, South Dakota. He went to the University of South Dakota. In 1966, he earned his bachelor's degree. He then studied law at the University of South Dakota School of Law. He received his law degree in 1970.

Mark Meierhenry's Law Career

Before becoming Attorney General, Mark Meierhenry worked in several legal roles. He was the Director of South Dakota Legal Services. This organization helps people who cannot afford legal help. He also taught law at the university. He was a professor of Trial Practice and Indian Law.

Becoming Attorney General

Mark Meierhenry was first elected as South Dakota's Attorney General in 1978. He won against another candidate named Max Gors. Mark received more than 141,000 votes. He was reelected for a second term in 1982. In that election, he won against Rod Lefholz.

Serving as Attorney General (1979–1987)

During his time as Attorney General, Mark Meierhenry represented South Dakota in many important cases. He argued six times before the United States Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the United States. He won three of these cases for South Dakota. This shows he was a skilled lawyer.

Mark Meierhenry's Family Life

Mark Meierhenry passed away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on July 29, 2020. He was 75 years old. He was married to Judith Meierhenry. She was also a very important legal figure. Judith Meierhenry was the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice on the South Dakota Supreme Court. She served on the court from 2002 to 2011.