Mark Cady — Iowa Chief Justice and Author of Varnum v. Brien

Early life and path to the bench

Cady was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. He pursued a legal career that led to his appointment to the state supreme court in 1998. Over two decades on the bench he became known for careful, readable opinions and for working to improve court administration and public access to justice.

Work and notable opinions

As a justice and later as chief justice, Cady handled a wide variety of civil and criminal matters. His most widely known opinion, Varnum v. Brien, held that the Iowa Constitution prohibited discrimination in marriage and cleared the way for same-sex couples to marry in Iowa. That ruling drew national attention and remains a defining element of his judicial legacy.

Reputation and approach

Cady was regarded as pragmatic and collegial, emphasizing clear legal reasoning and institutional integrity. During his tenure as chief justice he focused on the efficient operation of the court system, judicial education, and outreach intended to increase public understanding of the judiciary.

Death and legacy

Mark Cady died of a heart attack on November 15, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa, at age 66. His authorship of Varnum v. Brien and his years of service on the Iowa Supreme Court have left a lasting influence on state jurisprudence and on national conversations about marriage equality and judicial roles.

• Tenure: 1998–2019 on the Iowa Supreme Court.
• Chief Justice: 2011–2019.
• Key opinion: Varnum v. Brien (legalized same-sex marriage in Iowa).