Max Baer, Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s chief justice, dies

PITTSBURGH — Max Baer, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Courtroom, has died solely months earlier than he was set to retire, the courtroom confirmed Saturday. He was 74.

Baer died in a single day at his house close to Pittsburgh, the courtroom stated in a information launch. The courtroom did not give a motive for his demise however referred to as his “sudden passing” a “large loss for the courtroom and all of Pennsylvania.”

The courtroom stated Justice Debra Todd now turns into chief justice “because the justice of longest and steady service on the courtroom.” She is the primary feminine chief justice within the commonwealth’s historical past, a courtroom spokesperson confirmed.

“Chief Justice Baer was an influential and mental jurist whose unwavering focus was on administering truthful and balanced justice,” Todd stated within the launch. “He was a tireless champion for kids, dedicated to defending and offering for our youngest and most weak residents.”

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered state flags at commonwealth amenities, public buildings and grounds lowered to half-staff, saying he was “extraordinarily saddened” by the demise of such a “revered and esteemed jurist with a long time of service to our courts and our commonwealth.”

Baer, a Duquesne Legislation graduate, was an Allegheny County household courtroom decide and an administrative decide in household courtroom earlier than he was elected to the excessive courtroom in 2003 and have become its chief justice final yr. Baer additionally served as deputy lawyer common for Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1980 and was in non-public follow earlier than coming into the judiciary.

Earlier this yr, Baer was a part of the 5-2 majority because the Pennsylvania Supreme Courtroom upheld a large growth of mail-in voting in Pennsylvania.

Baer was set to retire on the finish of 2022 after reaching the obligatory retirement age of 75. The courtroom stated the seat had already been slated to be on the 2023 poll, and “within the interim the governor might select to make an appointment, topic to affirmation by the Senate.” Baer was elected as a Democrat and his demise leaves a 4-2 Democratic majority on the excessive courtroom.

Duquesne’s president, Ken Gormley, instructed the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette that Baer believed justices shouldn’t be public figures and that he subsequently shied away from the limelight, utilizing his place to uplift others within the career.

“He was collegial, he labored actually laborious to have the courtroom operate as a household, and he led by instance,” Gormley stated. “He was probably the most caring particular person conceivable — all the time put others first and celebrated their successes. He hated pettiness. He had no time for pettiness.”