Ruth V. McGregor, chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court
Arizona Chief Justice Ruth V. McGregor’s decision to step down after four years as head of the state court system will leave a large void.
McGregor, in her annual State of the Judiciary speech this week to the Legislature, said she will leave the state’s highest court at the end of June, a year before her term expires.
“I have been so privileged to serve in the Arizona judicial system,” McGregor said. “I had the great good fortune to serve on both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court and, as a result, had the opportunity to learn with and from many judicial colleagues.”
Under McGregor’s guidance, state courts have made numerous improvements. The processing of DUI cases is quicker and the number of DUI cases pending for more than six months has been cut by 77 percent.
Jury service also has become less onerous under McGregor. When jurors are called, an online service now allows them to select their most convenient service date.
McGregor was a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and served in the Arizona courts for 16 years. Her dedication and service will be missed.