New Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Rises to Power 

By Victoria Scruse – Staff Writer

According to Diana Mastrull, a staff writer from the Philadelphia Inquirer, upon the death of PA Supreme Court Justice Max Baer, Debra Todd will take his place as Supreme Chief Justice.  

Todd, a Democrat from Western Pennsylvania will become the first woman as a PA Supreme Chief Justice to ever hold the position.  

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer Todd obtained her B.A from Chatham College, Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and Master of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law.  

Todd has made her stance clear that this time should not be of celebration just yet, but of remembrance. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Todd says it is vital for Pennsylvanians to know how Chief Max Baer dedicated his life to improve the justice system by advocating for children and families.  

According to Louise Caroll, a special for The Times, after her college years, Todd worked as a litigation attorney for the US Steel Corp from 1982 to 1987.  

She then went into private practice for 12 years before being elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court as a judge. Following her election, she was elected Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2017.  

During these years she had received multiple awards that continually marked her efforts in the legal system. Some of these include the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women, Woman of Year in 2007, Celebrate & Share Women of Achievement Award in 2008, and the Amen Corner Judge Robert E. Dauer Award for Judicial Leadership and Excellence in 2015. 

Todd’s career and impending position as the first woman as the PA Supreme Court Justice is a milestone for Pennsylvania and the nation.