Kimberly Budd nomination as first-ever black woman to serve as SJC chief justice ‘history being made’
Gov. Charlie Baker’s nomination of Kimberly Budd as the next chief justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is “history being made” by a well-known “trailblazer” who — if confirmed — will become the first black woman to lead the state’s high court in its 328-year history.
“During a time that has been immensely difficult, a pandemic that has revealed the painful reminders of our country’s continued racial disparities and the tragic passing of Chief Justice Gants, Justice Budd has embodied calm, steady and collaborative leadership,” Baker said, announcing her nomination at the State House Wednesday.
It is an “unquestionably bittersweet” moment for Budd and for the court. Budd — an associate justice who Baker nominated to the court in 2016 — would fill the vacancy left by the late Chief Justice Ralph Gants, whom she called a “mentor,” whose untimely death to a heart attack last month sent shockwaves through the state’s legal community.
“He left big shoes to fill but I can think of no one more qualified or better prepared,” Baker said of Budd.
“Her shoes will likely be far more stylish,” quipped District Attorney Rachael Rollins, who in 2018 became the first-ever black woman to become a district attorney in Massachusetts who praised Baker for “prioritizing diversity” and said “the legal system should reflect the community it serves.”
Budd says the idea of becoming the first black woman to ever lead the court “a little overwhelming,” adding “It’s very meaningful to me.”
Public officials and the legal community alike applauded Budd’s nomination including US Rep. Ayanna Pressley who said, “In this moment of national reckoning on racial injustice, we must continue working to increase diverse representation in our court system. This will move us closer to the promise of equal justice for all.”
Massachusetts Bar Association President Denise I. Murphy said Budd is an “inspired choice” and lauded her as a “trailblazer.”
Chief Counsel at the Committee for Public Counsel Anthony Benedetti called her nomination a “historic moment” for the top court — a sentiment echoed by the ACLU.
“Representation matters… the judiciary should reflect the range of lived experiences and backgrounds that come before it,” said Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts.
Senate President Karen Spilka said Baker’s nomination is “recognition of the power of representation” while House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo called her reputation as a compassionate, committed jurist “above reproach.”
Budd’s historic nomination continues a trend of firsts and seconds for the 54-year-old justice. Budd will become the second woman to hold the title, after Margaret H. Marshall (2009 – 2010) and the second black person to serve in the post after Roderick L. Ireland (2010 to 2014). She will be the youngest chief justice to sit on the court in over a century.
Budd’s appointment rests now with the Governor’s Council, which has scheduled a confirmation hearing for Nov. 12.
The decision to elevate a sitting justice means that Baker will need to nominate two more associate justices before the end of the year to fill Budd’s position, as well as the seat held by Justice Barbara Lenk, who is retiring in December. Once he does, Baker, a Republican, will have nominated every seat on the seven-member court.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/37U6A5J
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