Historic Nomination for Connecticut’s Supreme Court
In a significant move by Governor Ned Lamont, Chief Judge Melanie L. Cradle of the Appellate Court has been nominated to join the Connecticut Supreme Court. This nomination positions her to become the first Black woman to serve on the state’s highest judicial body.
Pending confirmation from the General Assembly, Cradle would take the place of Joan K. Alexander, who has chosen to resign as an associate justice effective August 1. Alexander will continue her duties as a judge and maintain her position as the chief court administrator.
Cradle, aged 56, has a decade-long judicial career. Her journey began with her nomination to the Superior Court by Governor Dannel P. Malloy in 2013, followed by her appointment to the Appellate Court by Lamont in 2020. She has held the position of chief judge since the previous year.
Governor Lamont also nominated Superior Court Judge W. Glen Pierson to fill Cradle’s vacancy on the Appellate Court. Pierson, 57, has been serving as a trial judge since 2017 and is currently assigned to the complex litigation docket in Waterbury.
While announcing these nominations, the governor highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, quoting its famous line: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He remarked, “It only took us 250 years, but Melanie would be the first African American woman ever on Connecticut’s Supreme Court.” This statement received extensive applause from those present, including colleagues, family members of the nominees, and members of the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus.
Cradle’s family story is intertwined with modern and historical legal issues. Her mother, a German immigrant who married a Black serviceman from Virginia, was present at the announcement along with Cradle’s husband and two daughters. Cradle’s father is deceased. Reflecting on her journey, Cradle stated, “My mother, who is here with me today, and my father, who I know is here with me today in spirit — my success is a result of the examples set by them.”
During her remarks, Cradle acknowledged Lubbie Harper Jr., the third Black man to serve on the Connecticut Supreme Court, as a mentor.
Cradle holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and sociology from Adelphi University and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Before her judgeship, she worked as a state prosecutor. She expressed her commitment by saying, “If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the legislature, I will work faithfully for the people of this state to earn the trust that has been placed in me.”
Judge Pierson, also nominated, has a Bachelor of Arts in politics from Princeton University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to judgeship, he was a civil litigator with Loughlin FitzGerald in Wallingford. He stated, “It is in a spirit of humility that if I am confirmed I dedicate myself to fulfilling the ideals of our judiciary and in particular equal justice under law.” Charles Reid, Pierson’s spouse and fellow judge, was present to capture the momentous occasion.
Upon confirmation, Pierson will succeed Cradle on the Appellate Court but not as chief judge. The chief judge of the Appellate Court is appointed by Raheem L. Mullins, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, not by gubernatorial nomination. On the same day, Mullins announced Judge Robert W. Clark, currently on the Appellate Court, as his choice for chief judge.
This article was initially published by The Connecticut Mirror and shared through a collaboration with The Associated Press.
