A NEW ROLE
“ My first and primary goal is to become proficient and knowledgeable,” says Friese of settling into his new role of North Dakota Supreme Court Justice.“ Many appeals originate from practice areas in which I lack experience. I recognize and embrace the need to be competent in areas new to me.”
He says he is looking forward to serving the Court in conjunction with the state’ s executive and legislative branches and assisting the entire judiciary in its role of providing court services throughout the state.“ As one who has watched the evolution of the court during my career, I hope to contribute to the improvements which have been made,” says Friese.“ Court decisions are now more timely. Parties and their attorneys deserve prompt, thorough resolutions of their disputes. Trial courts and parties deserve consistent, thorough, and informed decisions following comprehensive review of the record and issues presented. I hope to accomplish these goals by committing the necessary time and developing my competency.”
Justice Friese addressing those in attendance at his recent investiture.
He notes his new position on the bench will not come without its challenges.“ Currently, I am the only justice without experience as a trial judge,” Friese says.“ Three of the five justices have served as lawyers exclusively in public service. I am one of two former private practitioners, and the only with specialization in criminal defense. I am hopeful that my experiences will complement the current.
“ Through experience, I believe embracing and overcoming challenge is highly rewarding,” he continues.“ In life, the greatest rewards come from overcoming the greatest challenges.”
“ Mark is a brilliant, fair-minded, and wellrespected lawyer who has excelled as one of our state’ s premier trial attorneys for more than two decades,” Armstrong said in a press release following Friese’ s appointment to the Supreme Court.“ His deep understanding of the law and broad experience as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, law school instructor, defense attorney, and military lawyer will bring a uniquely informed perspective to the Supreme Court and serve North Dakota citizens well.”
Friese stepped into a 10-year term that began on Jan. 1, 2023, and expires in 2032. Because an appointment to the Supreme Court must continue for at least two years under Article VI of the North Dakota Constitution, Friese will serve until the 2028 general election and may run for the remaining four years of the 10-year term.
8 THE GAVEL