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Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins to Retire

By a MetNews Staff Writer

MARTIN J. JENKINS

Supreme Court justice

California Supreme Court Justice Martin J. Jenkins announced yesterday that he will retire from the bench on Oct. 31, 10 days shy of the confirmation of his nomination to his present post and after more than 35 years of judicial service.

Jenkins, 71, the state high court’s first openly gay member, commented:

“I could not imagine a better capstone to my career on the bench than serving on the California Supreme Court.

“Having been a judge at every level of the state court system and with the federal district court, I have seen firsthand how judges and justices at each stage of the judicial process faithfully apply the law in a fair and empathetic manner. I have strived to do the same as a trial judge, at the First District Court of Appeal, and finally, at the California Supreme Court.”

Republican Governors

Though a Democrat, Jenkins was the recipient of appointments by three Republican governors. He was placed on the Oakland Municipal Court by Gov. George Deukmejian in 1989, elevated to the Alameda Superior Court by Gov. Pete Wilson 1992, and was chosen for a seat on the First District Court of Appeal by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008.

He served as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 2008, an appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed him to the California Supreme Court after Jenkins advised him for nearly two years on judicial appointments.

A 1980 graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, he served as an Alameda County deputy district attorney, in 1981-83, an assistant U.S. attorney, 1983-85, a litigation associate for Pacific Bell, 1985-89.

Professional Football

In 1977—after graduating from Santa Clara University where he was captain of the football team—he played with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero remarked:

“It has been an honor to work with Justice Jenkins at the court,” said “His collegiality, and the thoughtfulness and care with which he has approached his work, have provided a constant source of inspiration. I speak for all of my colleagues when I thank Justice Jenkins for his many contributions to the court, to the public, and to the law.”

Martin Jenkins was captain of his college football team prior to playing professionally.