All Pawtucket All The Time

STATE HOUSE – The Senate voted unanimously to confirm Supreme Court Justice Paul A. Suttell as the next chief justice of that court.

With the House having given its unanimous consent on Tuesday, Suttell will now ascend to the leadership post at the head of the state’s judicial branch, following the retirement late last year of former Chief Justice Frank J. Williams.

Legislators praised Suttell as a fair, thoughtful and compassionate judge who will provide excellent leadership for the court system.

“Justice Suttell is the consummate gentleman. Anyone who appeared before him when he was a judge in Family Court, whether the decision was favorable or unfavorable, was always treated with dignity and respect. He has distinguished himself as a member of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and I am confident he will accomplish great things as its new Chief Justice. Under his leadership, the Supreme Court will meet its responsibilities with compassion and understanding,” said House Speaker William J. Murphy.

Suttell was appointed in 2003 by Governor Donald L. Carcieri as an associate justice in the state’s highest court, and previously served as a Family Court judge for 13 years. The Little Compton resident served in the House of Representatives as a Republican from 1983 until 1990. He worked as a lawyer in private practice and also as legal counsel to the House minority leader before his appointment to the courts.

Said President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed, “During the advice and consent process, the Senate received numerous letters and testimony attesting to Justice Suttell’s fair-mindedness, judicial temperament and knowledge of the law. Having had the opportunity to practice before Justice Suttell in the Family Court, I know first-hand that he brings those rare and special qualities so vital in a judge: He is fair and compassionate, thoughtful and insightful. He has a deep knowledge of and respect for the law. He is a jurist of the highest character, and he will serve the public well as the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.”

Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Michael J. McCaffrey said, “Throughout the committee’s advice and consent process, Justice Suttell received enthusiastic praise from all who have had the opportunity to interact with him. Those who have worked alongside him noted his strong character, careful consideration of the facts, and even-tempered application of the law. Those who have appeared before him, whether they won or lost their cases, observed that they had always been treated fairly and compassionately. Justice Suttell will be a tremendous leader for our state’s judicial system.”

Justice Suttell has said he intends to be a public face for the courts like his predecessor, strengthen ties to the state’s only law school at Roger Williams University and maintain a constructive dialogue with the legislative branch with the help of the relationships he forged when he was a member of the House.

“I’ve known Paul since 1989 when he was a fellow state representative, and I’ve always found him to be a very easy person to work with and very conscientious in the work that he did. His arguments are always very intelligent,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Donald J. Lally Jr. (D-Dist. 33, Narragansett, North Kingstown, South Kingstown). “I thought he was a great Family Court judge, and we received some wonderful testimony from adults who went before him as children and said he helped them turn their lives around. He doesn’t believe that as a judge, he’s above anyone. I think he’s a great asset to the Supreme Court and will be an outstanding leader there.”