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Elizabeth Dewar
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2024 - Present
2050
1
Elizabeth Dewar (also known as Bessie) is a judge of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Dewar assumed office on January 12, 2024. Dewar's current term ends on July 4, 2050.
Dewar first became a member of the court through gubernatorial appointment. She was appointed by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey on December 8, 2023, and sworn in on January 10, 2024.[1] To learn more about this appointment, click here.
Biography
Elizabeth Dewar earned a bachelor's degree from the Harvard College, a graduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and a law degree from Yale Law School. Dewar's career experience includes working as a lawyer.[2]
Appointments
2024
On December 8, 2023, Governor Maura Healey (D) appointed Elizabeth Dewar to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.[3] She was confirmed by the Massachusetts Governor's Council on January 10, 2024.[4] She took office on January 12, 2024.
Dewar replaced Justice Elspeth Cypher, who retired on January 12, 2024. In her resignation, she cited her desire to return to teaching, announcing her acceptance of a visiting professorship at the Boston College Law School.[5] Dewar is Governor Healey's (D) first nominee to the seven-member supreme court.
In Massachusetts, state supreme court justices are selected through direct gubernatorial appointment. Justices are appointed directly by the governor without the use of a nominating commission.[6] There are five states that use this selection method. To read more about the gubernatorial appointment of judges, click here.
Vacancies on the supreme court are filled by the governor with the approval of the Governor's Council. Judges serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.[7]
State supreme court judicial selection in Massachusetts
- See also: Judicial selection in Massachusetts
The seven justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court are appointed by the governor with the approval of the Governor's Council. The Governor's Council is constitutionally authorized and advises the governor on government affairs in Massachusetts. The council is composed of eight members and is elected biennially by the voters. Judges on the supreme court serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.[7]
Qualifications
Judges of this court must be under the age of 70.[7]
Chief justice
The chief justice is also appointed by the governor with council approval, serving until age 70 as well.[7]
Vacancies
Vacancies on the supreme court are filled by the governor with the approval of the Governor's Council. Judges serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.[7]
The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Mass.gov, "Governor Healey Nominates State Solicitor Elizabeth N. Dewar to Supreme Judicial Court," December 8, 2023.
- ↑ Mass.gov, "Governor Healey Nominates State Solicitor Elizabeth N. Dewar to Supreme Judicial Court," accessed March 18, 2025
- ↑ WBUR, "Healey picks Solicitor Dewar for first open Supreme Judicial Court seat," December 8, 2023
- ↑ GBH, "Dewar confirmed to state’s highest court," January 10, 2024
- ↑ Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Supreme Judicial Court Justice Elspeth B. Cypher to Retire," June 12, 2023
- ↑ Note: In New Hampshire, a judicial selection commission has been established by executive order. The commission's recommendations are not binding.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Massachusetts," accessed August 25, 2021
Federal courts:
First Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Massachusetts • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Massachusetts
State courts:
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court • Massachusetts Appeals Court • Massachusetts Superior Courts • Massachusetts District Courts • Massachusetts Housing Courts • Massachusetts Juvenile Courts • Massachusetts Land Courts • Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts • Boston Municipal Courts, Massachusetts
State resources:
Courts in Massachusetts • Massachusetts judicial elections • Judicial selection in Massachusetts
