Debra Todd Becomes PA Supreme Court’s First-Ever Female Chief Justice

Later today, Friday, Jan 20, Debra Todd will be formally installed as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, Paula Reed Ward reports for Trib Live. Todd, who has been serving in a temporary capacity leading the court since the death of Chief Justice Max Baer, is the first female chief justice in the court’s 300-year history. 

“I think little girls need to see women are in places of authority, and that women can rise to the top ranks of their profession,” Todd told the Trib. “Even though it’s taken 300 years for Pennsylvania to have a female chief justice — that part stands out to me — I’m absolutely certain I’m the first of many.”