El-Dweek becomes county's second judge
By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer
History was made on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, when Daniel El-Dweek
officially became the second district judge to serve in North Dakota’s
Northwest Judicial District, with his court chambered in the McKenzie
County Courthouse.
His Investiture Ceremony was a celebration of his hard work and
achievement, as he, an illustrious graduate of the University of North
Dakota School of Law, was recognized by the Lt. Gov., the Chief Justice
of the North Dakota Supreme Court, Presiding Judge Robin Schmidt, and
many other local, district, and state dignitaries for his character,
talents, and abilities.
“You have a very clear regard for personal service,” stated Lt. Gov.
Drew Wrigley. “Take a look at the people in this room. This is your rock
of support. Your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and community.
With your many assets, attributes, and talents, this is our opportunity
to applaud and extend congratulations to you.”
Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle ruminated that with all Investiture
Ceremonies, they should be held because they offer three important
opportunities. First, it’s a time to introduce the new judge to the
community. Secondly, it’s a time to impress upon the new judge the
duties and responsibilities afforded to them. And thirdly, it’s a time
to applaud and extend congratulations.
“Over two years ago, we were here for Judge Robin Schmidt’s Investiture
Ceremony,” said VandeWalle. “At that time, we had increased to 47
district judges. And we were afforded four new judges this past
legislative session. So in the last six years, we have added nine new
district courtships for a total of 51 today.”
Schmidt, for the past two years, has carried McKenzie County’s
ever-growing caseload single-handedly, for everything from traffic
violations to serious criminal matters. To say adding a second judge to
the Northwest Judicial District was a positive move, would be an
understatement. It was a necessity for a county whose cases have
increased substantially over the past couple of years.
“Thank you to the court for getting us another judge here,” said
Schmidt. “I’m happy to have El-Dweek working with me. I don’t know if
he’s happy. Having another judge here has helped tremendously with the
caseload. It’s helped to keep things moving through the justice system
in a timely manner.”
As part of the Investiture Ceremony, El-Dweek was given his robe, a
gavel, and sounding board. He took an oath to uphold the constitution of
the state of North Dakota, and he was welcomed into the North Dakota
Judicial Family.
“I want to thank all who made this possible,” said El-Dweek.
“Specifically, our Governor, Lt. Gov., and acknowledgment must also be
given to the others involved including the Legislature and the Supreme
Court. I have appreciation for the people of McKenzie County and the
commissioners. I believe the investment into this county has been
evident and will be evident for years to come. I’d also like to say a
special thanks to Judge Nelson. He has literally spent hours helping and
being a mentor, and Judge Schmidt, well she didn’t have the luxury of
45 miles separating us like Judge Nelson.”
El-Dweek was appointed to the district judgeship this summer by North
Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple. He began presiding right away, working
closely with Judge Nelson and Judge Schmidt, whom El-Dweek says have
been exceptional mentors to him in his new position as judge.
“In August, Judge El-Dweek hit the bench running,” said McKenzie County
Commissioner Chairman Richard Cayko. “We can’t thank everyone enough and
the people who have made this all possible. Our case-loads doubled
again. But now there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The progress is
slow, but most certainly being made here. This ceremony was very
impressive.”