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Juvenile Court Chief Justice Martha P. Grace Announces Retirement
Juvenile
Court Chief Justice Martha P. Grace has advised Chief
Justice for Administration & Management Robert A.
Mulligan of her decision to retire effective February
28, 2009. Chief Justice Grace has served the Trial Court
for 22 years. She was appointed to the Juvenile Court
in 1990 and named Chief Justice in 1998.
“It
has been a privilege to have this extraordinary opportunity
to serve the people of the Commonwealth in this role,”
said Chief Justice Grace. “As Chief Justice, I have worked
hard to increase the ability of the Juvenile Court to
deliver top quality justice to those who come before
our court. I have felt honored every day to lead this
important court where we have unique responsibilities
and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of
children and families.”
Chief
Justice Mulligan said, “The energetic and effective leadership
of Chief Justice Grace, as well as her tireless advocacy
on behalf of children, have been exemplary. She has brought
tremendous insight and sensitivity to the challenging
issues faced by the Juvenile Court, which has greatly
enhanced the delivery of justice during her tenure. We
will especially miss the intelligence, warmth and grace
that she has brought to the monthly chiefs meetings.”
Chief
Justice Grace has received numerous honors from child
welfare agencies and community organizations for her
work on behalf of children, including the Distinguished
Service Award from the Massachusetts Department of Mental
Health.
In
accordance with G.L. c211B, §5, Chief Justice Mulligan
is authorized to appoint a successor chief justice and
has initiated the process to solicit nominations for
the position and comments on the accomplishments, goals
and direction of the court from judges, court employees,
attorneys, and others on the court.
The
Juvenile Court Department is comprised of 11 Divisions
with 41 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments
with 379 judges who deliver justice to thousands of citizens
daily in 106 courthouses across the state.
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