[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JUSTICE ROBERT RUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to honor a dear friend and one of Indiana's 
finest citizens, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker, and to 
wish him well upon his retirement. Throughout his many years of public 
service, Justice Rucker has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of 
his fellow Hoosiers. After nearly two decades on the Indiana Supreme 
Court, Justice Rucker will be retiring this spring. He has left an 
indelible mark as an outstanding public servant, and for this, he is 
worthy of the highest praise.
   Justice Rucker grew up in Gary, Indiana, and graduated from Gary 
Roosevelt High School. Before embarking on his legal career, Justice 
Rucker, a decorated veteran of the United States Army, honorably served 
his country during the Vietnam War. He went on to receive a bachelor's 
degree from Indiana University in 1974 before completing the Juris 
Doctor at the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1976. A devoted 
legal scholar, Justice Rucker has also earned a Master of Laws degree 
in the judicial process from the University of Virginia School of Law.
   In 1991, following many remarkable years of service to the Northwest 
Indiana community, Justice Rucker was appointed to the Indiana Court of 
Appeals by Governor Evan Bayh, becoming the first African American to 
serve on an Indiana appellate court. In 1999, he was appointed by 
Governor Frank O'Bannon to the Indiana Supreme Court. Throughout his 
illustrious judicial career, he has authored more than 1,200 civil and 
criminal opinions. He has served on numerous boards and committees 
including the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education, 
Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Northwest Indiana Legal Services 
Organization, and the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association.
   Justice Rucker's colleagues could not hold him in higher esteem, 
stating that ``His work stands as a powerful illustration of the 
guidance courts provide for the peaceful resolution of disputes 
encompassing nearly every facet of Hoosier life.'' They have said that 
what is most admirable about him is his commitment to seek equality for 
all people. ``He always had the courage and fortitude to protect the 
rights of all, regardless of their state in life. He has the ability to 
stand in the shoes of any person and understand their plight.'' For his 
lifetime of leadership and his truly inspiring career in public 
service, Justice Rucker is to be commended.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring an outstanding servant of the public for his 
lifetime of service to the people of Indiana and to wish him well upon 
his retirement. His continuous effort to improve the quality of life 
for all Hoosiers is truly admirable, and we have been blessed to have 
had his presence in the judiciary for so long. Justice Rucker's legacy 
will endure as a source of pride for the First Congressional District, 
and his selfless service is to be emulated and admired.

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