Cantil-Sakauye Takes Office Today

January 3, 2011

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New California Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Takes Office Today

San Francisco—Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye took office today as the 28th Chief Justice of California. She is the first Asian-American and second woman to hold the office in state history.

“Since being nominated for this position last July, I have been humbled and honored at every step in the process,” she stated. “I now embrace my duties as Chief Justice without reservation. I will honor those who have come before me, and the many others who have expressed high confidence in me, by not only fulfilling the expectations of this office but doing my best to exceed them.”

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye has served as a judge of California trial and appellate courts for the past 20 years. In 1990, Governor George Deukmejian appointed her to the Sacramento Municipal Court, and in 1997, Governor Pete Wilson elevated her to the Superior Court of Sacramento County. In 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger nominated her to the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, and last July, he nominated her to succeed retiring Chief Justice Ronald M. George in the highest office in the California judicial branch. The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed her nomination in August, and she was confirmed as Chief Justice by California voters in November’s general election.

Among Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye’s first duties will be swearing into office Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in ceremonies today in Sacramento. She also will administer the oath of office to Attorney General Kamala Harris, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, and Associate Justice Andrea Hoch of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District.