Christensen, of Harlan, received her law degree from the Creighton University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Judson College. Most recently, she served as a district court judge in the Fourth Judicial District.
“Judge Christensen didn’t take a typical path to where she is today,” Gov. Reynolds said. “She attended law school later than most, working for years as a legal secretary to support her family and pay for her schooling. She understands the challenges of everyday Iowans. She’s a mother of five and a grandmother of four. She hails from Harlan in rural southwest Iowa and will be the only justice to work outside one of our metro areas. And with her appointment, there will once again be a woman’s voice on the Iowa Supreme Court. I am proud that Judge Christensen will now be continuing her distinguished career of service to all Iowans on the Iowa Supreme Court.”
Gov. Reynolds spent the past several weeks considering the three nominees submitted to her by the state judicial nominating commission. Each nominee submitted extensive written materials. The governor also received recommendations and input from dozens of Iowans. Last week, she personally interviewed each nominee.
“Iowans need judges who are smart, thoughtful and hard-working,” Gov. Reynolds continued. “We need judges who understand the proper role of the courts within our government. Judges who will apply the law, not make it. Judges who will decide cases based upon the text of our statues and constitution, not their personal policy preferences.”
Christensen is the governor’s first appointment to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Statement by Chief Justice Mark Cady on the appointment of Judge Susan Christensen to the Iowa Supreme Court:
I am very pleased to welcome our new colleague, Judge Susan Christensen, to the supreme court. She is extremely well qualified and is a fine jurist. I look forward to serving with her and to having her vision and experience become a part of our state’s highest court. I want to thank the members of the Judicial Nominating Commission for nominating three outstanding candidates and Governor Reynolds for appointing Judge Christensen to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Appears outspoken and brash in her comments at times. Which leads one to believe she might take things personally which is seen way to often in the world of judgeship. But then again that just might be how things are. There have been many judges in American history with an ax to grind, so to speak. Being a law dog must be tough on people. Congratulation and good luck to the Honorable Judge Susan Christensen.