Michael Ryan
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Michael Ryan is an associate justice on the Arizona Supreme Court, a position he has held since July 1, 2002. He is also a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Legal Education and Experience
Justice Ryan received his B.A. from St. John's University, in Minnesota in 1967. Ten years later, he would receive a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University Law School.
Military Experience
The fall after graduating from college, Ryan enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. Soon he found himself in the heart of the Vietnam War, where he served as a platoon commander and achieved a rank of First Lieutenant. As a result of wounds sustained in battle, Ryan received a Medical Retirement in February 1969. Accordingly, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals, in addition to a Bronze Star for actions in combat.[1]
Legal Experience
Upon graduating from law school after returning from Vietnam, Ryan took a job in the Maricopa Country Attorney's Office, as Deputy County Attorney. There he served in the Major Felony Bureau and held the position of co-coordinator of the county's sex crimes unit. He stayed at Maricopa Country Attorney's Office for eight years, starting in October of 1977 and ending in October of 1985.
After leaving the County Attorney's Office, Ryan served as a full-time Judge pro tempore for the Maricopa County Superior Court, a position he held for a little over a year and a half--ending in June of 1986 when he was appointed a full-time Judge by the Governor. He stayed on as a Judge in the superior court for ten years. During his last three years there, he also acted as an associate Criminal Presiding Judge. Ryan left when on September 11, 1996, the governer appointed him to the Arizona Court of Appeals, the state's second highest court. While on the court, he spent a year as the Vice Chief Judge of the court. His time on the Arizona Court of Appeals lasted for six years, culminating on July 1st of 2002. [2]
Justice Ryan was appointed to the state's highest court on May 21, 2002 by then-governor Matt Salmon.
On Abortion
While on the Arizona Court of Appeals, in 1999, Ryan ruled to block a late-term abortion for a 14 year-old ward of the state. The decision was appealed, and overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court. [3]
Honors and Awards
- Board of Directors’ Member of the Year, Maricopa County Bar Association, 1999-2000.
- Semper Fi award, Phoenix Chapter, First Marine Division Association, 2001.
- Judicial Award of Excellence for outstanding dedication and commitment to improving the justice system, State Bar of Arizona, Public Lawyers Section, 2001.
- Honorable Henry S. Stevens Judge of the Year Award for outstanding service to improve the legal system, legal profession and professionalism of the bench and bar, Maricopa County Bar Association, 2001.
- Arizona State University College of Law’s Outstanding Alumnus Award, 2003.
- Arizona State University College of Law’s Distinguished Achievement Award, 2003.
- State Bar of Arizona's James A. Walsh Outstanding Jurist Award, 2005
