Gants
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Former U.S. Attorney and Superior Court Judge Ralph Gants was appointed as Massachusetts' newest Supreme Court justice Monday by Gov. Deval Patrick.
Gants served on the Superior Court for 11 years and must be approved by the Governor's Council. He would take the place of retiring Justice John Greaney.
"Judge Gants brings a powerful combination of strong intellect and real world understanding. He has been a thoughtful and fair member of the Superior Court," said Governor Patrick. "And he is deeply committed to securing the rights and liberties of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
"He will be an important addition to the (Supreme Judicial Court)."
Gants, 54, was a federal prosecutor from 1983-1991. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1980 and is married to Northeastern University School of Law professor Deborah Anne Ramirez.
Patrick also nominated Justice Margot Botsford from the Superior Court to the state's highest court in 2007.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline