Another justice on the Delaware Supreme Court is stepping down.
Governor Jack Markell received a letter Monday from Justice Carolyn Berger announcing her intent to retire from the bench, where she has served for 20 years.
It creates the third opening on Delaware's highest court in less than year.
Berger became the first woman on the Supreme Court when she was appointed in 1994. Before that she was the first woman to serve on the Court of Chancery.
“For more than three decades, Justice Carolyn Berger has served the State of Delaware with distinction as a member of the finest judiciary in the nation. As the first female member of both the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Delaware Supreme Court, Justice Berger ‘broke through the glass ceiling’ not once but twice," said Markell in a statement. "Justice Berger is a trailblazing jurist whose commitment to justice is second to none. I salute her for her service to the State of Delaware and wish her all the best as she moves toward retirement.”
Berger's retirement is due to take effect on September 1.
Berger is the latest change to the state’s highest judicial body. Governor Markell nominated Karen Valihura on Friday to fill the opening left by Justice Jack Jacobs, who is stepping down this month.
Leo Strine was sworn in as Delaware’s eighth Supreme Court Chief Justice in February, replacing the retired Myron Steele.
