Robert D. Rucker facts for kids

Robert D. Rucker (born in 1947) is a very important judge from Indiana. He served as the 105th justice on the Indiana Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the state. He retired from this important job on May 12, 2017.

Early Life and Military Service

Robert D. Rucker was born in Canton, Georgia. He grew up in Gary, Indiana. When he was older, he joined the United States Army.

He served in the Vietnam War with the 1st Cavalry Division. During his time in the army, he showed great bravery. He earned two special awards: the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Education and Learning

After his military service, Robert Rucker went to college. He earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Northwest in 1974. Then, he studied law at Valparaiso University School of Law, getting his law degree in 1976.

He continued his education even after becoming a judge. In 1998, he earned a special law degree called a Master of Laws from the University of Virginia Law School.

Becoming a Judge

Robert Rucker started his career as a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. Indiana Governor Evan Bayh appointed him to this role in 1991.

Justice Rucker made history as the first African American to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals. This made him the first African American appellate judge in Indiana. While on this court, he also helped lead the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education. This group helps lawyers keep learning and improving their skills.

Working as a Lawyer

Before becoming a judge, Robert Rucker worked as a lawyer. He was part of the leadership for groups like the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. He also helped the Northwest Indiana Legal Services Organization.

He worked for the government as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Lake County, Indiana. He was also the City Attorney for the City of Gary. He also had his own law practice in East Chicago, Indiana.

Serving on the Indiana Supreme Court

In 1999, Governor Frank O'Bannon chose Justice Rucker to join the Indiana Supreme Court. This was a very important step in his career. He became the second African American to serve on this high court.

He followed Myra Selby, who was the first African American and the first woman on the Indiana Supreme Court. Justice Rucker is also the only judge from the Court of Appeals to ever be promoted to the Supreme Court. He served on the Supreme Court for many years, writing over 450 main opinions and more than 100 dissenting opinions.

Helping Others in Law

Justice Rucker has always worked to make the legal profession more diverse. He wanted to see more women and lawyers of color in important roles. He appointed many diverse people to different Supreme Court groups. He also hired lawyers of color to work as his law clerks.

Special Recognition

Recently, the Lake County courthouse in downtown Gary, Indiana, was renamed after Justice Rucker. This courthouse is where several important courts meet. This renaming was done to honor his amazing career and service.

Commissioner Roosevelt Allen said that naming the courthouse after Justice Rucker would inspire many young people. He hoped it would encourage them to achieve great things.

Professional Groups and Awards

Justice Rucker is a member of many important legal groups. These include the American Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association. He also leads the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission. This group helps choose new judges.

He has received many awards for his hard work and dedication. One special award was for his achievements as an alumni from Valparaiso University School of Law.

His Family

Justice Rucker is a father to three children: James, Dawn, and Fanon. His son, Fanon A. Rucker, is also a judge in Ohio. They were recently honored as the first African-American father and son to both serve as a Justice and a Judge in American history.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Illinois