Press Statement  AG Healey’s Statement on SJC Chief Justice Gants’ Passing

BOSTON — Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement on the passing of Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants:

“My heart goes out to Chief Justice Gants’ family, especially his wife and children. My thoughts are also with his friends and members of the judicial community. Chief Justice Gants dedicated his life to public service and as a lawyer, and later a judge, made incomparable and lasting contributions to the rule of law and the betterment of society.

“Chief Justice Gants was an extremely hard-working, wise and courageous jurist. In his 22 years as a judge — including 11 years on the SJC — he recognized the fundamental importance of the law and the courts as instruments to make the Commonwealth a fairer and more just place. As Chief Justice, he focused on how the legal system affects people’s lives, and consistently worked to expand access to justice and racial equity. More than anything, he was person of true kindness and empathy. We will deeply miss him. His passing is an enormous loss for the legal community and for all the people of Massachusetts.”