Surrisi sworn in as Marshall Circuit Court judge

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00 PM

By Wes Dehne

'Here's to the strong women in my family in the making and to the strong women of Marshall County that are yet to come, you can do whatever you set your mind to.'

Making history as Marshall County's first woman judge, Jannette Surrisi has officially been sworn in as the Marshall Circuit Court judge.

Appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb in mid-July, Surrisi fills the vacancy of Judge Curt Palmer, who retired on May 31. An investiture ceremony held Monday in recognition of her judicial appointment was attended by friends, family, colleagues and elected officials from the local, state and federal level.

Leading the proceedings for the monumental occasion was attorney and honorary bailiff Jesse Robert Harper, a law school friend of Surrisi. After opening the court, he invited Rev. Dr. Sam Boys, pastor and director of Spiritual Life Culver Academies, to give an invocation.

Boys asked God to bless Surrisi with wisdom, patience, respect and adherence to the law for all who appear before her.

"May her investiture on this day be the beginning of a lifetime of judicial excellence and public service," he concluded.

Boys also gave a benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony, which was followed by a reception in the courthouse atrium.

County Councilwoman Nicole Cox, liaison to the judiciary, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Marshall Superior 3 Judge Matthew Sarber had the honor of sharing the list of special guests. In sharing a few remarks, he cited Greek philosopher Socrates as saying, "Four things belong to a judge: to listen courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially."

Harper also shared a few remarks, recalling how he met Surrisi on the first day of law school. Within minutes of them talking about their aspirations, Surrisi expressed wanting to set a precedent in the state by becoming a judge.

Harper also recalled cases they worked on, including a civil jury trial in federal court and an appeal that eventually made its way to the Indiana Supreme Court.

"Marshall County is incredibly lucky to have Janette Surrisi," he said. "I don't know of a higher compliment one Hoosier can pay to another than to say, 'She's a worker,' and she is."

He said he was confident Surrisi will base her decisions "on the arguments that are presented to her and the law as she sees it and interprets it."

"There's nothing more that we can ask for in a judge," he added, concluding that he was more than happy to set aside political affiliations to welcome and congratulate her into the position.

A resolution recognizing Surrisi's appointment was then read by Marshall County Bar Association President Nicholas Langowski.

"May she always endeavor to fairly and impartially dispense her duties as judge with integrity and competence, in service of he people of Marshall County, in service of the people of the great State of Indiana, and in service of all who come before her seeking justice," the resolution states. It also recognizes her as the first woman to serve as judge in Marshall County's 189-year history.

The oath of office was administered by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa, who shared that he had the pleasure of working with Surrisi as she served as an extern in the summer of 2016.

"It's hard for me to believe that I'm here," Surrisi said after a standing ovation. She went on to note that in three short months Marshall County will have another woman judge in Tami Napier, chief deputy prosecutor for nine years and the next judge of Marshall Superior 1.

"That makes things even more historic and more special," she said. "I believe Tami and I broke the glass ceiling here in Marshall County together, and I'll be honored to be working with you, Tami."

As for reaching such a milestone, she drew inspiration from the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor, saying, "We don't accomplish anything in this world alone... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something."

In taking the oath of office, Surrisi placed her hand on a tattered Swedish Bible held by her daughter. It was carried by her great-grandmother on her journey to America in 1883.

"I can't imagine she ever thought that Bible would be held in the hands of her great-great-granddaughter while her great-granddaughter was sworn in to become a judge," she said.

"I'm just one of many strong women in my family," she added. "Here's to the strong women in my family in the making and to the strong women of Marshall County that are yet to come, you can do whatever you set your mind to."

In accepting her judicial duty, Surrisi issued two calls for action. First, she noted the county has a shortage of lawyers.

"Many in community don't have access to lawyers they desperately need," she said. "My first ask is that you encourage others to become lawyers. Our community needs them."

Her second ask was for people to volunteer as Court Appointed Special Advocates to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

"I believe the number of children in our legal system is going to go up, so if you really want to be part of the fabric of someone else's life, volunteer to be the voice for these kids," she said.

Surrisi worked as a private practitioner at the law firm Wyland, Humphrey, Clevenger & Surrisi. She was appointed to the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education. She's also served on the board of directors for Culver Community Youth Center Foundation, Marshall County United Way and Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network.

Surrisi received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University South Bend and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.