It's official!
Judge Steven Steward had his enrobing ceremony this morning in Courtroom 1 this morning. Overflow seating was available in the jury assembly room where the ceremony was televised live.
Before 10:45, there were already 30 family, friends and supporters outside Courtroom 1. By the time the courtroom was opened, it was packed with retired and current Judges, attorneys including his former colleagues from the DA's office as well as private criminal defense attorneys, public defenders, family law and civil lawyers, community members and law enforcement.
Assistant Presiding Judge Kelly Neel is not here this week and that is the reason she was not at the ceremony.
It was refreshing to be in the midst of a majority of people who came for Judge Steward. A man overwhelmingly elected by the People. A man most of us chose to support and made a special point to be there today because of we respect him and are happy for him.
There was a positive, welcoming atmosphere and I am really glad I went today.
Judge Marilyn Miles, Judge Dale Reinholtsen,Judge John Feeney, Judge Steward's neighbor and friend Nick Kloeppel, District Attorney Stacey Eads, Deputy DAs Trent Timm and Whitney Timm, local attorneys Michael Robinson, Paul Hagen are just some of the many familiar names from the legal community who were there. The crowd was diverse and there was hearty applause several times during the ceremony.
Mr. Timm gave remarks that summed up the feelings reiterated by other speakers and attendees this morning. Both Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis and Judge Christopher Wilson who administered the judicial oath complimented Mr. Timm on his remarks.
Mr. Timm thanked Judge Steward for sharing this moment with him. Referring to the crowd, Mr. Timm said, "this is a testament to how he got here."
Mr. Timm shared anecdotes about Judge Steward's first day as a Deputy DA, his work ethic and Judge Steward as a person. While the anecdotes may only been known to some of his co-workers; what Mr. Timm shared resonated with many of us who have known Judge Steward for years.
Mr. Timm said there are two ways to become a Judge. One is to be appointed and the other to be elected. "Judge Steward was not appointed; he was elected by the People of Humboldt."
Judge Wilson reiterated this point. "Your community has expressed their faith in you."
Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis said, "this is one of the biggest crowds in this courtroom."
"It is with great honor and humility that I enter into this position," said Judge Steward. He thanked the people of Humboldt, his former co-workers at the DA's office, the other Judges, court staff, family and friends who came from all over the country for sharing "this very important and meaningful day."
Mr. Timm thanked the People. As a prosecutor, he does an excellent job representing the People every day. Judge Steward, who is a former prosecutor as well as a former defense attorney thanked the people of Humboldt several times.
Both these men are aware of the responsibility their position represents and who they are accountable to and that the people turn to them for justice. I know both of them well and these are more than words. They practice them daily.
After the ceremony there was a private reception at the Eagle House.
Very grateful to sit behind Judge Steward's parents and meet Judge Steward's parents, family and his best friend. Judge Steward's family and friends and in laws came from all over the U.S. I was able to visit with them at the reception. They read my blog so they recognized me.
I attended the reception for Judge Neel at the Eagle House in 2018. Like her, Judge Steward being on the bench is a positive for Humboldt. They are both experienced, accomplished, decent, caring genuine human beings who serve without ego.
Related posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/12/judge-steward-assigned-to-criminal-court.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/12/judge-steven-steward-assigned-to.html?m=1
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