Robert A. Miller
Robert Arthur Miller (born 1939) is a former chief justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Biography
Born in Aberdeen, SD, Miller attended Washington High School, in Sioux Falls, SD, and attended University of South Dakota, earning both his Bachelor of Science, Juris Doctor, and business administration there. Attended the National Judicial College's Basic Course in 1971 along with the Anti-Trust Course in 1980. He took Trial Court Administration in 1980 as well. He took numerous legal/judicial continuing education programs. Miller married Shirlee Schlim on September 5, 1964 in Howard, South Dakota. Had five children by the names of Cathy Sue Marsh(Adrian, MN), Scott Edward Miller(Sioux Falls, SD), David Allan Miller(Pierre, SD), Gerri Elizabeth Giese(Bismarck, ND), and Robert Charles Miller(Minneapolis MN) along with seven grandchildren. Miller was an Assistant Attorney General from 1963-1965 at Private Law Practice in Philip, SD, was Haakon County State's Attorney and Philip City Attorney from 1965-1971. Miller worked with Sixth Circuit Judge from 1971-1986, was a Presiding Judge from 1976-1986, was the Supreme Court Justice of South Dakota from 1986-2001, and was the Chief Supreme Court Justice of South Dakota from 1990-2001. Miller attended the National Conference of Chief Justices (Board of Directors, (1996–98 and several ongoing committee assignments); There is a Liaison between CCJ and Council of State Governments served on the CSG Executive Board. Miller was appointed by President Bill Clinton and was confirmed by the US Senate as to State Justice Institute (SJI) Board of Directors(1998-2012) (Chair 1998-2010) and worked with the South Dakota State Bar Association (numerous committees over the years); He also worked with the South Dakota Judges' Association(Pres. 1974-75); Was also a member per gubernatorial appointment. He also worked with the Constitutional Revision Commission (Chair) 2004-2006; member, per gubernatorial appointment, along with the State Capitol Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission(2011–present). Miller was a member per Chief Justice Appointment and the Criminal Code Revision Commission From 2004-2006; Held a Chair on the Special Committee on Judicial Campaign Intervention, per Chief Justice Appointment, 2006; Worked with the American Arbitration Association(AAA), Commercial Neutral, from 2006–present. He has a chair in the Supreme Court of South Dakota, with the Committee to Study Cameras in the Trial Courts(2009)
Other activities: Board of Trustees of South Dakota Retirement System 1974-1985 (Chairman 1977- 1983); State Crime Commission, 1979-1981; Boys State Courts Counselor, 1986- 2001; 1992 National Awards Jury for Freedoms Foundation; Advisory Council, Communication Services for the Deaf; Girls State counselor/adviser 2002 - 06; Governing Board, St.Mary’s Health Care Center, 2002 – 2011 (Vice-Chair '03-'04; Chair '04 - '11); Advisory Board, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program 2002 – 04; Fellow, W.O. Farber Center, University of South Dakota, 2002–06; Member of Bishop's Diocesan Review Board, 2003 - -.
During Miller's time as Chief Justice, Miller presided over Inaugural of Governors Mickelson, Miller, and Janklow of South Dakota. Miller also hosted a national conference in the Black Hills for all of the United State's state chief justices and the state court administrators.
When he retired, he had set a record as serving the longest term as the South Dakota Chief Justice in the South Dakota Supreme Court's history.