[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 64 (Thursday, April 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MARION COUNTY JUDGE PATRICIA GIFFORD

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                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Judge Patricia Gifford, a pillar in the Marion County community and 
one of the people who inspired me to seek a career in public service. 
For three decades, Judge Gifford served as Superior Court Judge of the 
Criminal Division in Marion County, Indiana. She was a pioneer in her 
field, and will be forever remembered for inspiring women in the legal 
profession. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, and 
especially in Marion County, are forever grateful for Judge Gifford's 
contributions to our Hoosier community.
  A life-long Hoosier, Judge Gifford grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. 
In 1960, she graduated from the College of William and Mary and began 
her career as a school teacher before earning her law degree. After 
graduating from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law 
in 1968, Judge Gifford became an associate at the law firm of Runnels 
and Rademacher. In 1969, she began her career in public service as 
Deputy Attorney General and later as Marion County Deputy Prosecutor 
under Noble F. Pearcy. While serving as Marion County Deputy 
Prosecutor, Judge Gifford was simultaneously a partner at the law firm 
of Moriarty & Gifford. She later became a referee for the Marion 
Juvenile Court in 1975, before serving as Superior Judge. Winning her 
first election in 1978, Judge Gifford was a well revered leader in the 
Marion County Republican Party. She went on to win re-election to the 
bench four more times.
  Throughout her three decades on the bench, Judge Gifford constantly 
redefined the role of women in the courtroom. She was one of the first 
women in the U.S. appointed to prosecute only sex offense cases. In 
1978, she became the sixth female to be elected to a Hoosier trial 
court. Known for her sharp demeanor and even-handed leadership, Judge 
Gifford had strict business like control over the courtroom. Although 
tough, her reputation as a courteous and fair judge was known 
throughout the entire Indiana legal community.
  In 1992, Judge Gifford gained national recognition for presiding over 
former heavy weight boxing champion Mike Tyson's rape trial. The 
extensive international media coverage could have easily turned the 
trial into a circus. Judge Gifford did not allow that to happen, and 
was widely praised for keeping order throughout the trial. In an 
exceptional 30-year career as a trial judge, thousands of defendants, 
victims, attorneys, and jurors appeared in her courtroom. She was an 
extraordinarily fair judge who upheld the highest ideals of equal 
justice under the law. Judge Gifford retired in 2008. Even in 
retirement, her accomplishments paved the way for women on the bench, 
and Judge Gifford remains an inspiration to the legal community across 
the State of Indiana.
  Judge Gifford's work was not only greatly appreciated, but also 
recognized and awarded by her peers. She was the recipient of numerous 
awards including Sagamore of the Wabash, Distinguished Hoosier, 
Indianapolis Bar Association Silver Gavel Award, and the Indianapolis 
Legal Aid Society Lifetime Achievement Award. She was an active member 
of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and would have received her fifty 
year pin this year.
  In Marion County, Judge Gifford's contributions to the community went 
beyond her duties on the bench. A woman of faith, she served four terms 
as a member of the Board of Directors for the Board of Church Extension 
and of the Disciples of Christ, and served twice as Chairperson. Judge 
Gifford also served as President of the Third Christian Church Board of 
Directors and was a member of the Board of Directors of Indianapolis 
Legal Aid Society, Christian Theological Seminary, and Saint Richard 
School.
  Judge Gifford's legacy as a brilliant judge and community leader will 
live on through her countless contributions to the Hoosier State. As a 
lawyer who practiced regularly in her court for thirteen years and then 
as a dear friend, I, along with so many others, will greatly miss Judge 
Gifford. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I want to 
extend my most heartfelt condolences to her husband; Robert Butsch, 
daughter; Jennifer Butsch Petit, son-in-law; Michael Petit, and three 
grandsons; Jack, George, and Samuel Petit and all who mourn her loss 
and cherish her memory.

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