Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants will deliver
his first State of the Judiciary Address to the legal community at
the Massachusetts Bar Association's annual Bench-Bar Symposium at 4
p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the John Adams Courthouse.
"This symposium is always a great event and having Chief Justice
Gants deliver his first address to the legal community will make it
even more memorable this year," said Massachusetts Bar Association
President Marsha V. Kazarosian. "We look forward to working with
Chief Justice Gants to maintain and strengthen the relationship
between the bar and the judiciary, which is so vital to the
administration of justice in our commonwealth."
Gants was officially sworn in as chief justice in July, replacing
retired Chief Justice Roderick I. Ireland. Appointed to the SJC in
2009 by Gov. Deval L. Patrick, Gants previously served as an
associate justice of the Superior Court.
"The judiciary has an ambitious agenda, but its success depends on
the continued close collaboration among the bar, the Judiciary, the
Legislature and the Executive," said Chief Justice Gants.
"Together, we can improve access to justice for those unable to
afford counsel, make our civil justice system more cost-effective
and responsive to the needs of litigants, and make strides towards
smart individualized sentencing that will provide fair punishment
and diminish the risk of recidivism."
In addition to remarks by Gants and Kazarosian, other scheduled
speakers at the event include Paula M. Carey, chief justice of the
Massachusetts Trial Court, and Court Administrator Lewis H. "Harry"
Spence.
The event is free to attend for members of the Massachusetts
judiciary and bar; however, those interested in attending should
register, as space is limited.
The speaking program will be followed by a special reception with
complimentary appetizers and beverages.