Indiana’s first female justice since 1999 takes oath

Loretta Rush has become the second female Indiana Supreme Court justice in state history.

Rush took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Brent Dickson during a private ceremony Wednesday.

The former Tippecanoe County judge is the first woman to serve on the state Supreme Court since Myra Selby stepped down in 1999 after five years on the bench.

A formal public swearing-in ceremony for Rush is planned for Dec. 28.

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels picked Rush in September to replace Justice Frank Sullivan Jr., who stepped down in July after 19 years on the court.

Rush was a juvenile court judge for 14 years.