Jan 30, 2025 · Maria Elena Cruz (born 1972) [1] is an American lawyer who has served as a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court since January 29, 2025. Cruz served on the Arizona Court of Appeals from 2017 to 2025. Early life and education. Cruz was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Arizona with her parents when she was 14.

Jan 29, 2025 · Judge Cruz is a child of working class parents, a Yuma County resident for over 30 years, and will be the first ever Latina and Black Arizonan to sit on the state’s highest court. “Judge Maria Elena Cruz has led a life dedicated to justice and service to her state and community,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.

4 days ago · Maria Elena Cruz was sworn in Feb. 3 as the newest Arizona Supreme Court justice. Cruz, appointed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, is the first Latina and Black justice on the court. She has served as a judge ...

Hon. Maria Elena Cruz. Judge Cruz obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law and has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She began her practice of law as a prosecutor in Arizona at the Yuma County Attorney’s Office, prosecuting felony offenders.

Jan 29, 2025 · Gov. Katie Hobbs has named appeals court Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court. Cruz is the first Latina and first Black Arizonan to serve on the state’s most influential bench.

Jan 29, 2025 · Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court. The state appellate judge from rural Yuma County will become the first Latina and the first Black person chosen for the state’s high court.

Jan 30, 2025 · Gov. Katie Hobbs on Monday placed the first Black and Hispanic woman on the Arizona Supreme Court. The governor chose Maria Elena Cruz, now a judge on the Court of Appeals, from among the five names submitted by the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. By law, Hobbs was required to choose ...

Maria Elena Cruz is a judge of the Arizona Supreme Court. She assumed office on February 3, 2025. Her current term ends on December 31, 2028. Cruz ran for re-election for the Division One judge of the Arizona Court of Appeals. She won in the retention election on November 3, 2020.

MARIA ELENA CRUZ serves on the Arizona Court of Appeals. Prior to Judge Cruz’ appointment to the Court of Appeals, she served as the Presiding Judge of Superior Court in Yuma County. In addition to administering the business of the Yuma courts while she served as Presidi ng Judge, Judge Cruz presided over criminal

Jan 29, 2025 · Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday named Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first Latina and first Black high court justice in state history. “Why should the courts not reflect the population?” Cruz told reporters on Wednesday. Cruz is a Yuma County Democrat who ...