Robert Carter | |
---|---|
Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court | |
In office December 8, 2020 –December 5, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Thomas L. Kilbride |
Succeeded by | Mary Kay O'Brien |
Personal details | |
Born | Springfield,Illinois,U.S. | February 26,1946
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Nancy Rink |
Children | 2 |
Education | University of Illinois,Urbana-Champaign (BA,JD) University of Illinois,Springfield (MA) |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | ![]() |
Years of service | 1969–1970 |
Robert L. Carter (born February 26,1946) [1] is a former justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Carter was sworn in on December 8,2020, [2] and left office on December 5,2022. He is the son-in-law of former Judge and Representative Paul E. Rink [3]
Carter was a childhood resident of Grandview,Illinois. His father worked as a coal miner and his mother worked in a munitions factory during World War II. [4] Carter received both his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law,and his Master of Arts from Sangamon State University. [5] [6]
From 1969 to 1970,Carter served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. [7]
The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Carter an associate judge for Illinois's 13th circuit for a term beginning July 2,1979. [8] He was elected a circuit court judge in 1988 and became the chief judge in 1992. [5]
Carter was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court upon the retirement of Tobias Barry for a term beginning September 1,2006. [9] He was succeeded as resident circuit judge by then-State's Attorney Joseph P. Hettel. [10]
In the 2020 general election,incumbent Justice Thomas L. Kilbride received approximately 56% of the vote in favor of his retention,which is less than the supermajority of 60% required by state law to be retained. [11] After Kilbride lost retention,the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Carter as a placeholder until the 2022 general election. Carter's term began on December 6,2020. [12] He left office on December 5,2022,when his successor was sworn in. [13]