Wyoming governor names state district judge to Supreme Court

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming’s governor has tapped a state District Court judge in making his first appointment to the state Supreme Court.

Judge John G. Fenn has served on the Fourth Judicial District bench for Johnson and Sheridan counties since 2007. He previously was an attorney in private practice in Sheridan for 13 years.

Fenn’s experience as a judge has earned him respect in Wyoming’s legal community, Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement Thursday.

“He has shown himself to be keenly aware of the impact of Wyoming Supreme Court decisions, not only on the law, but also with particular attention to the consequences for the individuals involved in these cases,” Gordon said.

Fenn replaces Justice Michael Davis, who is retiring, and will begin on the state high court on Jan. 17, 2022.

Fenn is a graduate of Big Piney High School and holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wyoming. He helped develop Wyoming’s new Chancery Court created by legislation signed by Gordon in 2019, according to the governor’s office.

Fenn was among three candidates selected for Gordon’s consideration by the state Judicial Nominating Commission. The others were Cheyenne attorneys Robert C. Jarosh and Melinda S. McCorkle.

Davis has served nine years on the Supreme Court, including three as chief justice. Gordon’s predecessor, Matt Mead, appointed all five current justices.