New judge celebrated

The last time Ralph Erickson was the new judge in the courthouse, he had little time to enjoy the promotion.

"I threw the oath at him and said, 'Sign here. You have hearings in courtroom No. 2.'" East Central District Judge Norman Backes joked Friday. "And he went."

So perhaps it was fitting that Erickson enjoyed the presence of more than 300 people to celebrate his newest post as U.S. district judge. The investiture at the Quentin N. Burdick United States Courthouse in Fargo featured friendly ribbing and earnest praises for the man everyone said will make an excellent federal judge.

After the 44-year-old Erickson took his oath and robe, Senior U.S. District Judge Rodney Webb told his successor what perks to expect.

"The pay is regular, the checks don't bounce and you get a big, black dress," he said.

Gov. John Hoeven relayed the rave reviews he heard from White House officials after they interviewed the Fargo candidate.

"This guy is just outstanding," they told Hoeven. "Very rarely does anyone interview as well as Judge Erickson."

Leadership, intelligence and compassion are traits Erickson has in abundance, Hoeven said, and they will make him a success.

Others spoke about Erickson's sense of humor and ability to keep visitors enthralled in conversation for hours. His favorite song, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said, is "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon.

"The problem is never initiating a conversation (with Erickson)," Backes said. "It is concluding it."

Now North Dakota's 12th U.S. district judge, Erickson served Cass, Traill and Steele counties as East Central District Court judge from 1994 until March of this year, when he began serving as federal judge. He was nominated to his new position by President Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The state's other active federal judge is Daniel Hovland in Bismarck.

After listening to the tributes Friday, Erickson played down his role in the justice system and urged those gathered to stay vigilant in the effort to protect civil liberties.

"The men who preceded me are giants," he said. "My hope is that people grow into these positions, and that as time passes I will become less unworthy to hold the office."

Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Forster at (701) 241-5538