Christopher Goff was welcomed to the Supreme Court as the newest justice on September 1 by more than 300 family members, judges, friends, and government officials during his formal investiture ceremony.
“This whole experience has been incredibly humbling,” Justice Goff said, “but the most humbling part of it has been the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received. If you are here today, it is because I couldn’t have done my work without you.”
He officially joined the Court on July 24 after being sworn in by Chief Justice Loretta Rush in a private ceremony so that he could begin work.
Justice Goff is filling the vacancy left by Justice Robert Rucker who retired in May 2017 after 26 years on the appellate bench. Justice Goff spoke of his longtime admiration for Justice Rucker, who taught a class on equity when Justice Goff was studying for the bar exam.
“Twenty years ago, you taught me to be a voice for the voiceless, and I have not forgotten your lesson,” Justice Goff said, directing his appreciation toward Justice Rucker.
During the ceremony, Justice Rucker assisted in placing Justice Goff’s name plate on the bench. Chief Justice Rush also gave Justice Rucker his own name plate as a token of appreciation. Each of the Court’s current justices also played a role in the ceremony.
“After a month of working closely with you, I can confirm with firsthand knowledge what everyone else in this room already knew: that our Governor had made a very wise choice,” Justice Mark Massa said of Justice Goff after welcoming Pastor Alex Falder forward to give the invocation.
Justice Steven David, who served as Justice Goff’s mentor during his transition, stated “there is no doubt that Justice Goff will make all of us very proud of his long and celebrated tenure on the Indiana Supreme Court.”
Mark Guenin of the Wabash County Bar became choked up as he introduced Justice Goff and emphasized the important perspective he brings to the bench after serving Wabash County. He said: “In each case, Justice Goff will see the people as people, not as problems.”
Justice Geoffrey Slaughter spoke of relinquishing his seat as the Court’s junior-most justice. As the newest justice, “you get to frame the issues,” Justice Slaughter said. “I hope that you’ll relish that role and take full advantage of it.” He then welcomed Governor Holcomb forward to say a few words and administer the oath.
“He is a forward thinker, a trailblazer, one dedicated to making our court system even better,” Governor Eric Holcomb said of Justice Goff before administering the ceremonial oath of office as Justice Goff’s wife, Raquel, held the Bible.
After a brief recess, the justices reconvened as a full Court. Justice Goff spoke from the bench of his gratitude towards his family, county, and colleagues. He also spoke of his responsibility to the Court, the people of Indiana, and his hope for the future.
Today we are gathered to celebrate the fact that someone born to teenage parents, married to the daughter of migrant workers, and from a remote part of the State has been selected to serve on Indiana’s highest court,” Justice Goff said. “If such a thing was possible for me, why should it not be possible for any child?”
Justice Goff’s official portrait, which will hang in the Courtroom along with those of the current and former justices, was unveiled during the ceremony by Senior Judge Daniel Vanderpool.
Delivering the closing remarks, Chief Justice Rush said “[Justice Goff] live[s] out that great American promise: that Lady Justice is blind, everyone receives equal justice under the law.”
Who is Justice Goff?
Justice Christopher Goff, 45, joined the Court after having served as Wabash County Superior Court Judge for 12 years. His work there lead to the establishment of the Wabash County Drug Court and the Wabash County Family Drug Treatment Court.
His career demonstrates his devotion to his community. He has served as President of the Huntington County Police Merit Board and Chair of the Board of Elders at Northview Church of Christ. He has also held leadership roles at the Wabash County YMCA, the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce, and the Huntington County Bar Association.
Justice Goff graduated from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1996 and has worked in private practice handling cases ranging from criminal defense to small business litigation. He has served as a public defender, and worked to establish the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, in Huntington County.
As the son of a factory maintenance worker and a teacher’s aide in Wabash County, Justice Goff comes from a blue-collar background. He worked his way through Ball State University at a magnetics factory, and after marrying his wife at the Wabash County Courthouse, they both worked the second shift.
His wife, Raquel, is the 11th of 12 children whose family roots can be traced to Durango, Mexico.
“We typically host holiday parties in our home for as many as 100 family members. This is impressive when you consider that we live in a 2,000 square-foot ranch home,” Goff said. “I am proud of my family and its unique heritage.”