CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 08-Nov-2010

Governor Brad Henry on Friday (November 5) announced the appointment of District Judge Douglas L. Combs to the Oklahoma State Supreme Court. Combs, who serves in judicial district 23, will succeed Justice Rudolph Hargrave, who has announced his retirement after more than 30 years on the Court.

“Judge Combs has the temperament, intellect and experience to be an outstanding Supreme Court Justice,” Gov. Henry said. “He has a long history of public service, and I know he will perform his new duties with the greatest professionalism, integrity and sense of duty to the citizens of our state.”

Gov. Henry selected Combs from three candidates whose names were submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission.

Judge Combs has been a district judge since 2003 and served as a special district judge from 1995 to 2003.  Previously, he worked in private practice and served as a deputy clerk for the Oklahoma Supreme Court and as an assistant state attorney general.

Judge Combs attended St. Gregory’s Junior College, now St. Gregory’s University, in Shawnee and the University of Oklahoma to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science.He earned his juris doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1976 and was admitted to the bar the same year.

Combs is married to Janet Lee Combs and the couple has two children. They reside in Shawnee.

Gov. Henry also praised Justice Hargrave for his public service.

“Justice Hargrave has been an invaluable member of the court and an incredible public servant for the people of Oklahoma for more than three decades. His extensive knowledge of the law and experienced opinion will be missed,” the governor said.