Slaughter Formally Sworn In To Indiana Supreme Court

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana’s newest Supreme Court justice was formally sworn in Thursday at the Statehouse. 

Gov. Mike Pence appointed Geoffrey Slaughter in May to replace the retiring Brent Dickson, the second longest serving justice in state history. At his swearing-in, Slaughter noted the big shoes he has to fill.

“No one can replace Justice Dickson," he said. "I’m merely succeeding him and, in doing so, I’m mindful of his enormous legacy.”

Federal judge Debra McVicker Lynch, Slaughter’s former colleague in private practice, spoke at the ceremony at his request. She says she wanted to “introduce” him to the court.

“He is an accomplished thinker and writer. He loves law. He loves policy. He loves language. He loves people,” McVicker Lynch said.

This was the formal ceremony. Slaughter was sworn-in privately in June. Chief Justice Loretta Rush spoke about her new colleague.

“He’s an excellent writer with an attention to detail, has a fantastic work ethic and a passion for law,” Rush said.

Slaughter has been working on the court, now, for two months.