Peter Popovich

The Honorable Peter S. Popovich
Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
In office November 16, 1987 – November 30, 1990
Appointed by	Rudy Perpich
Preceded by	Douglas Amdahl
Succeeded by	A.M. "Sandy" Keith
Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals
In office November 2, 1983 – November 15, 1987
Appointed by	Rudy Perpich
Preceded by	Office Created
Succeeded by	D.D. Wozniak
Personal details
Born	November 27, 1920 Crosby, Minnesota
Died	March 29, 1996(1996-03-29) (aged 75) St. Marys Point, Minnesota
Spouse(s)	Dorothy Lee Popovich Gail Popovich

Peter Stephen Popovich (November 27, 1920 – March 29, 1996) was an American lawyer, politician, and judge from Minnesota. He is the only person in the state's history to serve as both Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Popovich was born in Crosby, Minnesota in 1920. He earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and William Mitchell College of Law (then the St. Paul College of Law) in 1942 and 1947, respectively.

Career

He was in private practice in the Twin Cities from 1947 to 1983, while also serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1953 to 1963.

Upon the creation of the state Court of Appeals in 1983, Governor Rudy Perpich appointed Popovich to be Chief Judge. Perpich elevated him to the Supreme Court in 1987, and named him Chief Justice in 1989. Popovich resigned as chief justice in late 1990, having reached mandatory retirement age.

Following his retirement from the Supreme Court, Popovich joined the Minneapolis law firm of Briggs & Morgan.

Death

He died in early 1996 at the age of 75.

External links

• The Judicial Career of Peter Popovich
• Popovich on Mandatory Retirement of Judges
• Chief Justice Peter Popovich Obituary - Minneapolis Star-Tribune: March 30, 1996
• Peter S. Publications - Popovich, Associate Justice, 1987-1989; Chief Justice 1989-1990
• Minnesota State Law Library: Peter S. Popovich