He joined the army and served in the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
While on the Court of Appeals, Justice Rucker served as vice-chair of the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education.
Justice Rucker was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1999.
His published writings include, The Right to Ignore the Law: Constitutional Entitlement Versus Judicial Interpretation, 33 Val.
Justice Rucker has been a pioneer in many areas including his dedication to increasing diversity in the legal profession.
Black male role models such as President Obama and Justice Robert Rucker will inspire countless numbers of black males, both nationally and within our community, to aspire to greatness and help our nation to remain the pre-eminent country in the world."