Robert D. Rucker facts for kids

Robert D. Rucker, born in 1947, was an important judge on the Indiana Supreme Court. He was the 105th person to be appointed as a justice to this high court. Justice Rucker retired from his role on May 12, 2017.

Early Life and Military Service

Robert Rucker was born in Canton, Georgia. He spent his childhood growing up in Gary, Indiana. After finishing school, he joined the United States Army. He served in the Vietnam War with the 1st Cavalry Division. For his bravery during his service, he received two special awards: the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

Education and Legal Career

Justice Rucker studied at several universities to become a lawyer. He earned his first degree from Indiana University Northwest in 1974. Then, he went to Valparaiso University School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1976. Later, in 1998, he earned an advanced law degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

Before becoming a judge, Justice Rucker worked as a lawyer. He was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Lake County, Indiana. He also served as the City Attorney for the City of Gary. He worked in private law practice in East Chicago, Indiana. He was also part of the board of directors for important legal groups.

Becoming a Judge

Indiana Court of Appeals

In 1991, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh appointed Robert Rucker as a judge. He became a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals. This was a very important moment because he was the first African American to serve on this court. This made him the first African American appellate judge in Indiana's history. While on the Court of Appeals, Justice Rucker helped lead the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education.

Indiana Supreme Court

In 1999, Governor Frank O'Bannon appointed Justice Rucker to the Indiana Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. He was the second African American to serve on this court. He followed Myra Selby, who was the first African American and the first woman to be a justice 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. He was part of the longest-serving group of justices in the court's history. During his time as a judge, he wrote over 450 main opinions and more than 100 dissenting opinions. These opinions explain the court's decisions and his own views on legal cases.

Dedication to Diversity

Justice Rucker has always worked to make the legal profession more diverse. He has helped appoint women and lawyers of color to important court groups. He also made sure to hire lawyers of color to work as his law clerks. This helped many young lawyers start their careers.

Honors and Recognition

The Lake County courthouse in downtown Gary was renamed after Justice Rucker. This happened on February 17, 2010. The courthouse is now called the Robert D. Rucker Lake County Courthouse. This honor recognized his amazing career and service. Leaders hoped it would inspire young people, especially young black males, to achieve great things.

Justice Rucker is a member of many important legal groups. These include the American Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association. He has received many awards for his service as a judge and lawyer. One special award was the outstanding alumni achievement award from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Family Life

Justice Rucker is a father to three children: James, Dawn, and Fanon. His son, Fanon A. Rucker, is also a judge. He serves on the Hamilton County Municipal Court in Cincinnati, Ohio. Justice Rucker and his son were 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