Karen Baker was sworn in as the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Chief Justice

Clinton, Arkansas – History was made at the Van Buren County Courthouse on Wednesday as Karen Baker was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court— making her the first woman to occupy the office.

Baker was sworn in by Judge H.G. Foster on a day when various other Van Buren County leaders were sworn in as well. However, Baker’s swearing-in was exceptionally remarkable.
Before the ceremony, Foster lauded her merits to the throng, and she addressed the crowded courtroom shortly after being sworn in.

“The people of Arkansas have my sincere gratitude,” Baker remarked. “And to my home county’s citizens.”

She also mentioned how it was necessary to make history as the first female chief justice.
“I consider my grandma and mother and the chances they were denied. Additionally, Baker explained, “I don’t know that being the first matters that much, but it matters that there’s been a first.”

She also talked about how significant it was to her to be sworn in in Clinton, where she was raised.

Judge Foster stated that while he wasn’t shocked, he was impressed by her choice to be sworn in there rather than in Little Rock.

rather than enjoying the glitz and glamour to which she is legally entitled. He explained, “As she stated, she came here to the courtroom where she tried her first case and swore in front of the people who have supported her throughout her career.”

Foster, who has known and worked with Baker for many years, said he felt privileged to swear her in because he thinks she is very deserving of the job.

He claimed that Baker’s adherence to her values is among her most remarkable qualities.

It’s difficult to avoid being impacted by the winds of social change when working in this field. There are several factors that are very hard to overlook and should not be considered,” Foster stated. According to what I’ve observed—and I’ve observed a lot—the only things that inspire her are upholding the law, acting morally, and ensuring that everyone who appears in court is handled with dignity.

Transparency will be one of her top priorities, Baker added, adding that she is both excited to start and a little nervous about the new role.

“I plan to hold a public conference,” Baker stated. “The way the court functions seems to have been overly secretive, really.”

She added that she has been prepared by numerous examples she has encountered while serving as an Associate Justice.

“I’ve worked alongside several chief justices. Additionally, each of them had a little distinct style, Baker explained. Therefore, I hope that I have gained knowledge and have observed what they did that I agreed with, what I didn’t always agree with, and what I now agree with and didn’t agree with at the time.

In November, voters chose Baker over her opponent, Associate Justice Rhonda Wood, who was supported by Governor Sanders and other Republicans.