Remembering Justice Beryl J . Levine
By Justice Lisa Fair McEvers
It is with great sadness I acknowledge the passing of Justice Beryl J . Levine . Her great accomplishments and contributions to the law , the bar , and the judicial system were many and deserve recognition .
When I contacted Executive Director Tony Weiler asking what we could do to honor Justice Levine , he suggested an article for The Gavel . The problem ? He asked me to do it in 750 words – an impossible task . When Justice Levine retired , the “ North Dakota Law Review ” dedicated nearly an entire issue commemorating the challenges she faced , her contributions on the Court , and her dedication to advancing gender equality in the profession . See N . D . L . R . Vol . 72 1996 4 ( read it and be inspired )! Proudly , I was on the “ Law Review ” staff when that issue was published . Another recommended read is “ An Inspiring Justice ,” a chapter written by Cody Stanley about Justice Levine in Susan E . Wefald ’ s book , “ Important Voices .” Because I cannot adequately
Justice Beryl Levine pictured with her husband , Dr . Leonard Levine . honor Justice Levine and her life ’ s work in this short article , I reflect on the inspiration and impact her career had on me .
“ You can ’ t be it if you can ’ t see it .” I did not consider being a judge as a young girl . Growing up in the age of Title IX , it didn ’ t really occur to me I was limited by my gender . But , I also did not see myself in certain roles , because I had not seen women in these roles . When I graduated from high school , a woman had never served on the North Dakota Supreme Court ( or any other North Dakota court of
Justice Levine greeting Supreme Court Justice Mary Muehlen Maring .
record ). Then , in 1985 , Beryl Levine was appointed the first female justice . In doing so , she became a role model for women , inspiring us to do great things , even with a late start ( she entered law school at age 35 ).
In her application for a seat on the Court , she wrote :
I see my appointment to the Supreme Court for me , as a woman , to be yet another remarkable statement about this country , this state , and our community and the opportunities they provide for qualified , interested people . Doubtless , my appointment to the Court would be among my greatest personal achievements . Of far greater significance , it would send a clear and resounding signal to competent , qualified women in this state who seek and strive to stretch , that doors are indeed open and nothing is foreclosed merely because of gender .
She was right . Her appointment indeed opened doors for women in the law . 1 Since her appointment , the Court has had at least one
Justice Levine being sworn in as a member of the North Dakota Supreme Court , alongside other newly elected statewide officials .
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