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State high court has a new man in black

Jim Gehrz, Star Tribune

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric J. Magnuson led the other justices off the stage Tuesday at the Landmark Center in St. Paul after his swearing-in ceremony. Behind Magnuson, front to back, are: Associate Justices Alan Page, Paul H. Anderson, Helen M. Meyer, G. Barry Anderson, Lorie Skjerven Gildea and Christopher Dietzen. Magnuson is the first chief justice in 70 years who was not already a sitting judge. “I just think I did a good job with the other things … and now I’ve been rewarded for that hard work.”

New state Supreme Court chief justice sworn in, ready for challenges.

Last update: June 4, 2008 - 12:04 AM

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Before a crowd of more than 500 fellow judges, lawyers and state officials, the 21st chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court was sworn in Tuesday.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty described his former co-worker and new Chief Justice Eric Magnuson as "deeply learned in law" and a "nationally renowned person."

It marks the first time in more than 70 years that someone not already sitting on the state's Supreme Court will step into the court's top job.

"I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of support," Magnuson said. "This is my third job in a year. Or, my third job in 31 years."

The 57-year-old Magnuson spent 30 years as an appellate attorney at the Rider Bennett law firm in Minneapolis before the firm disbanded. There he worked closely with Pawlenty.

He then spent a year as an attorney and shareholder at Briggs and Morgan.

Pawlenty appointed him in March.

Magnuson also served as head of the judicial selection board for the past five years, helping to shape the court by recommending Pawlenty's three previous appointments.

He succeeds departing Chief Justice Russell Anderson, whose retirement took effect Sunday.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Minnesota State Bar Association President Brian Melendez stressed the importance of an independent judiciary.

Magnuson was ranked by his peers as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in last year's annual "Guide to Appellate Law in America."

"A lot of people say I was meant to have this job, but I don't believe that and it hasn't been a lifetime goal for me," Magnuson said. "I just think I did a good job with the other things they asked me to do and now I've been rewarded for that hard work."

RODRIGO ZAMITH

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Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.

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