CBJ - August 2010 #01. Chief Justice George steps down.

• Author: By Nancy McCarthy Staff Writer

California Bar Journal

2010.

CBJ - August 2010 #01.

Chief Justice George steps down

The California LawyerAugust 2010Chief Justice George steps downBy Nancy McCarthy Staff WriterRonald M. George reshaped California's legal landscape through sweeping changes he brought to the state's courts during his 14 years as chief justice, becoming the most influential figure in the judicial system. His announcement last month that he will step down at the end of the year sent shockwaves through California's legal community.

Gov. Schwarzenegger moved quickly to replace George, naming appellate Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye as his choice for the next chief justice. She will have a confirmation hearing before the three-person Commission on Judicial Performance Aug. 25.

George's decision, made at a family weekend in Lake Tahoe, left the naming of a replacement in the hands of a termed-out governor and puts Cantil-Sakauye on the November general election ballot. For his part, George said his family had asked when he turned 70 in March what more he hoped to accomplish "other than refining and preserving what has been achieved. Reflection convinced me now is the right time - while I am at the top of my game - to leave while the proverbial music still plays." He stunned his colleagues at the court, some of whom were in tears when he delivered the news.

George has served on the California bench for 38 years - joining the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1972, the Superior Court in 1977, the Court of Appeal in 1987 and the Supreme Court in 1991. Gov. Pete Wilson named George chief justice in 1996. He was appointed to various positions on the bench by four governors, worked as chief justice with eight Assembly speakers and is close to Schwarzenegger. When he retires, he will be the third longest-serving chief justice among the 27 who have held the job.

A moderate Republican, George led the court from the center and often cast the deciding vote in 4-3 decisions. In later years, however, the court produced more unanimous decisions; in the year ended in June, 81 of their 96 opinions were unanimous, a record that underlines the bench's collegiality. George is generally viewed as conservative on criminal issues such as the death penalty and moderate to liberal on social issues.

George likely will be best remembered for writing a pair of rulings on...