Roderick Ireland nominated for chief of Massachusetts' highest court

November 5, 2010

Massachusetts: Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick announced the appointment of Roderick Ireland as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. If confirmed, Ireland will succeed Margaret Marshall upon her retirement in 2010.

Ireland has served as a justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court since 1997. When appointed, the became the first African-American ever to serve on the court.

Of the appointment, Governor Patrick said, “Justice Ireland is one of Massachusetts’ wisest and most experienced jurists and there is no one better suited to lead the Court and the judicial branch at this unique moment in our history."

Before becoming Chief Justice, Ireland first must be confirmed by the Governor's Council.

Footnotes

Massachusetts courts

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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