Dover, Del. (WBOC) - Delaware Gov. Jack Markell announced Friday afternoon he'd received formal notice of the retirement of Delaware Supreme Court Justice Henry duPont Ridgely.
It's been a year of significant turnover on the Delaware Supreme Court. Leo Strine became the state's new chief justice in February. He replaced Myron Steele in that position. And in July Karen Valihura joined the bench.
Justice Carolyn Berger announced in June she was retiring. Now, Justice Ridgely is joining her. He will officially retire January 31, 2015.
Justice Randy Holland, the longest-serving justice in state history, remains a part of the five-person court.
In response to Justice Ridgely's announcement, Gov. Markell released the following statement:
"For three decades, Justice Ridgely has served the State of Delaware with distinction as a member of the finest judiciary in the nation. In addition to his firm commitment to justice, Justice Ridgely was intently focused on the continual improvement of the judicial system, as well as ensuring equality and fairness within the criminal justice system. Justice Ridgely's impact is far-reaching and his presence as a member of Delaware's highest court will be missed. I thank him for his service to the State of Delaware and wish him all the best as he moves toward retirement."
Justice Ridgely was appointed to the Delaware Supreme Court in 2004.
