A momentous change sweeps through Arizona's judicial landscape as the state welcomes its newest Supreme Court justice with multiple groundbreaking distinctions.
According to the Arizona Republic, Maria Elena Cruz took her oath of office on Monday, becoming Arizona's first Latina and Black justice, marking a significant milestone in the state's judicial history.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in Governor Katie Hobbs' office suite, where Cruz, accompanied by her family, placed her hand on a family Bible to take the oath. The historic appointment not only brings diversity to the state's highest court but also represents the first Democratic governor's appointee in two decades.
Cruz's journey to the Supreme Court follows a distinguished career spanning two decades in various judicial roles. Her experience includes serving the Cocopah Indian Tribe, presiding over cases at the Yuma County Superior Court, and most recently, working on the Arizona Court of Appeals, where she was appointed by Republican Governor Doug Ducey in 2017.
Before ascending to the bench, Cruz demonstrated versatility in her legal career by working as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Her unique perspective as the only member from rural Arizona adds geographical diversity to the court's composition.
At 52 years old, Cruz has the potential to serve on the court for 18 years before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Her appointment fills the vacancy left by Justice Robert Brutinel's retirement in late October.
During the announcement of her appointment, Cruz shared her vision for serving on the court. She emphasized her commitment to addressing systemic barriers in the legal system while maintaining strict adherence to the law.
Cruz's statement about her role and perspective resonated with many:
I have a deep respect and loyalty for the rule of law, but also, a perspective that is informed by growing up, living, raising a family and working in rural Arizona. A personal understanding of challenges faced by those who are marginalized because of their color or their gender.
The new justice further elaborated on her commitment to accessibility and fairness:
I will do the work of applying the law fairly, but I will also do so while acknowledging that access to justice is limited and there's much work to be done in ensuring that poverty or lack of education do not continue to be barriers for Arizonans' understanding and use of the legal system.
The timing of Cruz's appointment carries significant political implications. With no anticipated vacancies until 2027, which falls after the next gubernatorial election, Cruz's appointment represents a crucial opportunity for Governor Hobbs to influence the court's composition.
The appointment adds diversity to a court previously composed entirely of Republican governor appointees. This change could potentially impact the court's perspective on various legal matters affecting Arizona residents.
The selection of Cruz from among five nominees presented by the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments demonstrates the careful consideration given to maintaining both professional excellence and diverse representation in the state's highest court.
Maria Elena Cruz's appointment to the Arizona Supreme Court represents a convergence of historic firsts and professional achievement. As the first Latina and Black justice on the state's highest court, Cruz brings both demographic diversity and extensive judicial experience from her work in rural Arizona and various courts. The February 3 swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor Katie Hobbs, marked the first Democratic governor's judicial appointment in 20 years.
