BISMARCK — Chief Justice Jon Jensen of the North Dakota Supreme Court announced in a letter Wednesday, Oct. 5, that he will not be seeking re-election as chief justice.

Jensen said it had been an honor to serve as chief justice for the past six years, and reflected on a number of measures taken during his tenure to provide more support to district courts and their staff.

These highlights included the addition of permanent staff attorneys in lieu of temporary law clerks; the creation of three new judgeships and 29 other full-time employees within the judicial system. Jensen also said it was his priority to meet with judges in their districts to gather input and be accountable for administrative action.

“The increased support for district courts is reflected in our docket currency and cases under advisement statistics. Our judicial system is at an all-time positive position regarding docket currency and the disposition of cases under advisement. This reflects the hard work being performed by individual judges, as well as how well our judicial system is functioning as a whole,” Jensen said. “The position of Chief Justice, for me, has not been about a title, it has been about service and making our judicial system as great as it can be. While I intend to remain on the Court, I will not seek the position of Chief Justice for the next term.”