Oklahoma's Women Supreme Court Judges

Did you know that women in Oklahoma were not allowed to serve on juries in Oklahoma until 1951? Only three women have ever been appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court - Alma Wilson, Yvonne Kauger and, most recently, Noma Gurich.

Portrait of US District Judge Robin Cauthron Unveiled

On November 26, 2008, a wonderful portrait of US District Judge Robin J Cauthron was unveiled as part of a recognition ceremony marking the completion of her term as chief judge of the US District Court for Oklahoma's western federal court district. Congratulations, Robin!

Deborah Barnes Sworn In As Judge of Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals

Tulsa attorney Deborah Ann Browers Barnes was sworn in July 9, 2008 as a judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Click here to read Tulsa World article. She was sworn in by her father-in-law and former state Supreme Court Justice Don Barnes. I don't think family got her the post though since Gov. Henry selected Barnes from a recommendation list that was compiled by the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission. Having served on one of those, I assure you they strive to pick the best QUALIFIED applicants! (I was appointed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Commission by President Jimmy Carter - that's how old I am!) Barnes replaces John Reif of Skiatook who Governor Henry named to the Oklahoma Supreme Court last October.

Gov Henry Appoints Deborah Barnes to State Court of Civil Appeals

Here is the Governor's press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2008

Gov. Henry Appoints Deborah Browers Barnes to Civil Appeals Court (Oklahoma City) Governor Brad Henry announced today the appointment of Deborah Ann Browers Barnes of Tulsa to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. She will fill the position previously held by Justice John Reif, whom Gov. Henry appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in October.

Barnes earned her law degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1983. She served as a staff attorney for Justice Ralph Hodges at the Oklahoma Supreme Court from 1985 to 1989, and since then has worked in civil litigation, administrative law, commercial and business law.

Deborah Barnes worked as vice president, corporate secretary and associate general counsel at ONEOK, Inc. in Tulsa from 1997 to 2001. Most recently, she worked in private practice at Crutchmer, Browers & Barnes, P.L.L.C from 2002 to the present.

"I want to thank Debbie Barnes for her willingness to serve the state of Oklahoma," Gov. Henry said. "Her breadth of experience makes her a great fit for the Court of Civil Appeals, and I know she will serve the court with honor and integrity."

Gov. Henry selected Barnes from a recommendation list compiled by the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission.