Public Notice Detail

ST. PAUL, MN (January 11, 2002) – After nearly 36 years of public service, one of the “founding fathers” of Minnesota’s Court of Appeals, Judge Gary L. Crippen, today announced his retirement from the bench, effective April 2002.  Judge Crippen served 18 years on the state Court of Appeals, nine years as a trial judge in Worthington, MN and eight years as Nobles County Attorney.

“It’s a tremendous legacy that he leaves, both from the opinions that he has written and also his impact on the law in Minnesota because of his extensive experience,” said Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Edward J. Toussaint, Jr.  “He understands the process of judging and the ramifications of his decisions on the broader community,” he added.

In a letter to Governor Ventura announcing his retirement, Judge Crippen thanked his many colleagues throughout the years and noted the accomplishments of the Court of Appeals, which is considered to be one of the most efficient intermediate appellate court in the country.  “The Minnesota judiciary deserves the praise it gets for its diligence and fairness,” he said. 

As one of the founding members of the 18-year-old Court of Appeals, Judge Crippen has authored more than 1,800 opinions and been impaneled to rule on more than 5,000 cases.  Judge Crippen is a frequent author, publishing 16 legal articles during his tenure with the Court.  He is a seasoned instructor at continuing legal education seminars, giving 42 presentations since 1978.  In both his teaching and writing, Judge Crippen has focused on juvenile justice issues and family law. 

“At the appellate court and as a writer, he’s been a voice for the importance of juvenile issues and the importance of the rights of juveniles in the system,” said 20-year colleague Philip D. Bush, District Court Judge in Hennepin County. 

Judge Crippen is a native of Worthington, MN.  He earned an A.A. from Worthington Junior College, graduating valedictorian in 1956, received his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1960 and attained a Master of Laws in Judicial Process from the University of Virginia Law School in 1990.  Prior to his election as Nobles County Attorney in 1966, he served for five years as Assistant County Attorney and 14 years in private practice.

Reflecting on his 27 years on the bench, Judge Crippen says he is most proud of his attention to each litigant and legal issue before him.  “I put my heart and soul into every case I ever heard,” he said. 

Though noted for his diligence and rigorous attention to detail in cases, friends on the bench will miss Judge Crippen’s personal touch as well. 

“He has not lost his humility or his connection to people in this job,” said Judge Bush.  “There are real job pressures on judges that make it difficult to keep those things.  He understands that and has been a real model for me.”