CONCORD, N.H. -- He became a household name in a job that's designed to be low-profile, and nearly two decades after taking charge of the state's court system, Chief Justice David Brock retired Wednesday.

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Retiring Justice Believes History Will Judge Him Fairly

Brock spent 25 years on the bench at the New Hampshire Supreme Court, 17 of them as chief justice.

"If you learn anything on the job, it's the frailty of human nature," Brock said. "More people look to the courts to resolve conflict and disputes in a timely and effective fashion."

Brock said he saw ups and downs in his time in the Supreme Court and a court system that's had to adapt to increasing demand.

"We've gone to a unified court system with new accountability," he said. "We made strides in making the judicial branch more effective."

Although he credits the collective effort of all the justices and staff, Brock's impact on New Hampshire courts is unmatched in recent times. Over the years, he personally wrote 800 legal decisions and was in charge of court budgets and case flow.

He said he tried to blend the letter of the law with the lives of people being affected, always with a focus on individual rights.

"Seeing that people have equal protection to all who come before the court," Brock said.

The most important, most controversial ruling of Brock's career came in 1997, when the Supreme Court struck down the system of funding public schools. The court remained involved through every step, creating a tense relationship with state lawmakers that is felt to this day.

"We find ourselves in every session with the Legislature facing a bill or a constitutional amendment to diminish what I see as necessary independence of the judiciary, but we'll continue to fight those battles," Brock said.

That conflict peaked in 2000 when Brock faced impeachment by lawmakers for alleged wrongdoing. He was acquitted and believes history will be kind.

"I think people will look back and conclude that perhaps it was something that did not have to happen," Brock said.

Brock said he is looking forward to retirement. He intends to spend more time with his six children and 12 grandchildren and plans to focus on gardening and golf.

"I will miss the day-to-day contact with those I've worked with over the years, but I'll be around," he said.

At 67, Brock now shifts to senior status and said he expects to be called in for cases when extra judges are needed. He also plans to remain active on the Judicial Planning Committee, which is trying to chart the future course of the court system.