This is the twenty-second of our Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary.
Perry County Circuit Court Judge Mary Lucille “Lucy” Goffinet is our judge featured in this issue. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Indiana and her law degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
Following graduation from law school in 2002, she served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Vanderburgh County and Warrick County, and she was Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Perry County before seeking judicial office in 2006. She was elected as Circuit Court Judge as has served in that capacity since January 2007.
Judge Goffinet and her husband Adam will celebrate their 8-year anniversary on July 30, 2013. He is the program manager at the A.K Steel site for Quaker Chemical, a company responsible for the chemicals needed in the steel manufacturing process. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a double major in Chemistry and Biology.
What do you like most and least about being a trial court judge?
What I enjoy the most about being a trial court judge are the people I have met. I have met people from all walks of life and I truly enjoy listening to them and learning from them. What I like the least about being a trial court judge is not always having the resources to help people and the community in ways that the court should be able to.
What was your major in college and why did you decide to study law?
I majored in communications and decided to go to law school after completing an internship with the Vanderburgh County Probation Department. I wanted to be a prosecutor. After being a deputy prosecutor for four years I ran for judge.
What would you do if you were not a judge?
Wow what wouldn’t I like to do? I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail. I would love to be a disc jockey on E Street Radio. I would love to follow Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on a tour. I would love to climb all of Colorado’s 14ers. I would love to open my own specialty pet store. I would love to visit all of our national parks. Seriously, if I were not a judge, I would like to return to the prosecutor’s office.
Who are the people you most admire?
There are so many people I admire for so many different reasons. Mainly I admire those who put others needs before their own and people who unselfishly work for the benefit of others.
What are your hobbies and favorite leisure activities, and how did you first get involved?
I love to be outside. I love to run, hike, camp, and just be in nature. My husband, Adam, helped me discover my love of the outdoors and I am forever grateful for that. I also enjoy music concerts, reading, and wine tasting. I am also a pet lover. Anytime I can spend time with my dogs I am at peace. My husband and I also enjoy going to watch the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Cardinals.
What are your favorite books, and have you ready any recently, or are reading now, that you would recommend?
I like to read a lot of different things. It totally depends on my mood. I love reading books by Michael Pollan, George R.R. Martin, John Muir, James Carville, Charlaine Harris, and J.K. Rowling. Yes, I read the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy and I would totally recommend them!
Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?
I grew up in the small town of Cannelton, Indiana. I had a wonderful childhood. My parents were both blue collar workers. I did not grow up rich. We were barely middle class. My parents could not provide me with everything I ever wanted but they always provided me with enough of what I needed. I always felt loved and secure. My older sister, Mari, was my hero. I have had the same best-friends since I was in the first grade. I went to a very small public high school in which I graduated with a class of 31 students. Everyone knew your name and everything about you. There are no secrets in a small town. I was able to be who I wanted to be. I am very thankful for my humble up-bringing and I am forever grateful to my parents for providing me with what they could.
Do you have a favorite quote(s)?
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
—John Muir (1877)
“The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1809)
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere I can be with my husband and nature.
Do you have a favorite meal, recipe, and restaurant?
I love the black olive and mushroom pizza from Capers Restaurant in Tell City, Indiana. If you are ever in Perry County, Indiana I would highly recommend that you check it out.