LINCOLN — Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, Nebraska’s first woman to serve on both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, has retired after 33 years on the bench — six on the appeals court and 27 on the state’s highest court. Appointed in 1998 by Gov. Ben Nelson, Miller-Lerman was known for her sharp writing, judicial restraint, and ability to make complex law understandable, sometimes using pop culture references to do so. She reflected that her son’s advice — “don’t bore, don’t confuse” — became her guiding principle in crafting opinions. Throughout her career, she broke gender barriers in Nebraska’s legal system, navigating a male-dominated environment with grace and focus on substance over symbolism.

During her tenure, Miller-Lerman authored several landmark decisions, including rulings on capital punishment unanimity, same-sex parental rights, and the Beatrice Six DNA testing case that helped free wrongfully convicted individuals. Her colleagues praised her for her incisive questioning and clarity of thought, qualities that helped shape Nebraska’s modern judiciary. At 78, she said she feels she’s made her contribution and now looks forward to spending more time with family, possibly serving in a limited judicial role. As she put it, closing one chapter of trailblazing service: “I’ll be useful.”

For the full article, click HERE.