California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has nominated Tani Cantil-Sakauye to be chief justice of the California Supreme Court. The former prosecutor and Sacramento Superior Court judge has been an appellate justice since 2005.

Introducing his nominee at the Capitol event, Schwarzenegger noted she would be the state’s first Filipino American chief justice when confirmed by the voters in November, “adding to our high court’s already rich diversity.”

Justice Cantil-Sakauye, 50, would start a 12-year term in January 2011.

Presiding justice of the 3rd District Court of Appeal Arthur Scotland described Cantil-Sakauye as thorough and objective, according to a report by David Siders of the Sacramento Bee.

The report quoted him as saying: “It’s a brilliant choice. Tani is exceptionally smart. She’s diligent. She’s articulate, collegial. She has all the qualities necessary to be a chief justice…I know California’s judicial system is going to be in good hands.”

Cantil-Sakauye is a Republican appellate justice with a reputation as a moderate, the report added. She would replace Chief Justice Ronald George, who is retiring from the bench after a career spanning nearly 40 years.

In his lengthy introduction, Schwarzenegger said, “My administration looked closely at several outstanding candidates. In the end, one stood above the rest. In fact, five years ago I was so impressed by that person’s experience and background that I appointed her to the Court of Appeals, where she has served with distinction. She has done an outstanding job.”

“Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has a distinguished history of public service and understands that the role of a justice is not to create law, but to independently and fairly interpret and administer the law,” Schwarzenegger added.

In her remarks, Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said: “Governor, today you have changed my family’s history. Now, from our daughters’ perspective, they have a set of grandparents who worked in the fields, they have a set of grandparents who were interned for four years. They have grand-uncles, they have uncles, they have cousins, who are war veterans. And their mother? Well, a man of tremendous vision appointed her, or nominated her, to lead the highest court in California. Is history remarkable or what?”

She added: “When I think about the courts, I really think how important and critical the courts are in the lives of the public. And what often reminds me of that is in my chambers. I have the statue of Themis, Lady Justice. Lady Justice, as you know, stands before you in a robe. She’s blindfolded, she holds a set of scales and she wields a knife, or sword.”

She continued: “And I am reminded that what justice means to the public is that courts right the wrongs, vanquish the indignities and provide a forum for everyone to be heard and a role of the Chief Justice of this great state is to ensure that the courts continue that vital role.”

American Dream

“Justice Cantil-Sakauye is much more than just a fine and widely admired jurist,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “She is also the living, breathing example of the American Dream.”

He added: “She came from humble beginnings, the daughter of parents who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance and the belief that in America, with that hard work and perseverance, you can achieve about anything. She even waited on tables to help put herself through college and then later on through law school. What an inspiring example to all our young people in America and especially to young Filipino boys and girls.”

Schwarzenegger acknowledged the presence of her family, led by her husband Sacramento Police Lt. Mark Sakauye, who oversees Regional Transit security, and their children Hana and Clare.

Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has a long and distinguished history of public service. She began her career in the Sacramento County District as a deputy district attorney. In 1990, Gov. George Deukmejian appointed her to the Sacramento Municipal Court. She did such a great job, Schwarzenegger said, that seven years later Gov. Pete Wilson elevated her to the Superior Court, where “she created and presided over the first court in Sacramento dedicated solely to domestic violence.” Since 2005, she has served on the Court of Appeals Third Appellate District.