Statement of DA Rachael Rollins on the Nomination of Justice Kimberly Budd to be the Chief Justice of the SJC

BOSTON, Oct. 28, 2020 — “With Gov. Baker’s nomination of Justice Kimberly Budd to be the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, we are witnessing history being made: an exceptionally qualified Justice who  is now the first nomination for a Black woman to lead the 328-year-old court.

“I have known Justice Budd for many years and she is a woman of exceptional integrity, legal acumen, and sound judgment.  She will be the outstanding leader and manager that our court system needs and the people of the Commonwealth deserve.

“Chief Justice Gants was a towering figure and an incredibly decent man. He left very large shoes to fill.  I am certain the soon-to-be Chief Justice Budd will pick up the mantle he left behind and continue to make our Commonwealth a better, fairer place.  And her shoes will likely be far more stylish.

“I believe that the legal system should reflect the community it serves. For that reason, it is imperative that courts represent the rich and diverse range of professions, races, religions, ethnicities, and orientations that make our Commonwealth great. Justice Budd’s lived experiences bring a perspective to this role that will change the court moving forward.  The SJC as an institution holds so much sway over our future. With a more diverse SJC, we can make an already exceptional group of jurists ever better. 

We are living through history, and I congratulate Governor Baker on this unprecedented appointment. I encourage him in the coming weeks and months to continue prioritizing diversity as he considers the additional appointments of two new Associate Justices to the SJC, and the appointment of the next Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.