Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger reflects on her illustrious career during an interview at her home.
Yvonne Kauger has had a profound impact on Oklahoma’s justice system, both through her legal expertise and her contributions outside the courtroom. Her unique understanding of the law and her groundbreaking endeavors have laid the groundwork for the state’s judicial framework for many years.
When December 1 arrives, the 87-year-old will officially retire, making her the longest-serving justice and staff attorney in the history of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
She will also make history as the first Oklahoma Supreme Court justice to not be retained by voters. This outcome was influenced by a dark money campaign that aimed to portray her as a liberal judge and as being too old.
Kauger is no stranger to being in the lead.
She made history as the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s first female staff attorney.
In 1984, Gov. George Nigh appointed her to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, just two years after he had appointed the late Alma Wilson, who became the first female justice.
Kauger has dedicated 52 years of her career to serving the state’s highest court, both as a judge and a staff attorney.
The cases brought before the court covered a wide range of topics, including the constitutionality of laws, taxes, abortion access, and tribal issues, among others.
In the year she was appointed to the bench, she had the honor of being adopted by the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma on sacred tribal ground in Colony. Her family has a strong ancestral connection to the tribe.
Kauger explained that while it is primarily an honorary position, she holds the distinction of being the first individual since statehood to be adopted by the Cheyenne Arapaho tribe.
Kauger, despite not having any Native American heritage, expressed her lifelong desire to embrace the Indian culture.
In 1987, she co-founded Red Earth, an organization that showcases Native American culture, art, and dancers.
In the subsequent year, she established the Sovereignty Symposium, a national legal conference held in Oklahoma City that aims to educate individuals on tribal sovereignty and government.
She has gained a reputation for her ability to ask tough and direct questions during oral arguments, never letting attorneys off the hook if they can’t provide a satisfactory answer.
She is a distinguished recipient of multiple prestigious accolades, including induction into the esteemed Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and the renowned Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Additionally, she has been honored with the esteemed lifetime achievement award from Leadership Oklahoma.
She has been honored with the prestigious Governor’s Arts Award not once, but twice.
During her induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, former Oklahoma Chief Justice Steven Taylor had the honor of introducing her.
According to Taylor, no other Oklahoman has had a greater impact on the state’s legal system than Justice Yvonne Kauger.
According to him, she is responsible for protecting the institutional foundation of the state’s highest court.
Chief Justice M. John Kane IV expressed his sadness at the prospect of losing her as a colleague.
Kane, who was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2019, expressed utmost admiration for the enduring presence of the esteemed individual. “Throughout my entire career, her toughness, kindness, and visionary leadership have been an integral part of our court,” he remarked.
Kauger reminisces about her childhood in Colony and cherishes the memories she made during her youth. In high school, she actively participated in basketball, showcasing her skills on the court. To this day, she holds onto faded newspapers that feature her modeling the trendiest fashions from her younger years. However, tragedy struck during her early adulthood when she lost her sister in a devastating plane crash.
In 1969, Kauger graduated at the top of her class from the Oklahoma City University School of Law, after putting herself through the program.
She played a crucial role in developing the state’s online case tracking system for the courts and spearheading the transformation of the old Wiley Post building, which was previously home to the Oklahoma Historical Society, into the Judicial Center.
Kauger, who has not been retained, sees this as an opportunity to pursue her passions. She intends to write two books and establish a docent program at the Judicial Center, where she played a vital role in selecting the artwork.
Kauger, a resident living across the street from the Capitol, expressed her admiration for the state’s court building and its exceptional collection of Indian art. According to her, the building stands out as one of the most remarkable structures, showcasing the rich history of the state through its art collection.
Inside her Taos Pueblo-style abode, every nook and cranny, including the garage, is adorned with exquisite works of art. The artistic flair extends beyond the walls, as she herself is a talented artist, proficient in both paintings and sculptures.
Kauger referred to it as a fresh start, emphasizing that the iron curtain has finally fallen. He holds no resentment and believes it may have been serendipitous, as he may have never chosen to leave otherwise.
Kauger has a rich tradition.
After each retention ballot, she treats herself to a little something.
In the past, the prize for winning a retention election was different each time. One year, it was living room furniture, while another year it was a car. But this year, the lucky winner received a zero-gravity heat massage chair.
Kauger expressed no regrets regarding her actions and firmly believes that the court’s duty is to adhere to the law and the facts, irrespective of personal beliefs.
Living by the motto of “Do right. Fear not,” she embraces a philosophy of righteousness and fearlessness in her life.
Kauger emphasized that her legacy goes beyond the long list of firsts, honors, and awards she has achieved.
“My family is my legacy,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of her daughter Jonna Kirschner, as well as her two grandchildren and great grandson.
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