Assembly Judiciary Chair Raj Mukherji (D-33) is applauding the state senate’s confirmation of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis, the first black woman to serve on the bench in the Garden State.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today’s confirmation of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the Supreme Court sets a historic precedent in our judiciary for women, immigrants, and all people of color. Ms. Pierre-Louis’ seat on the State Supreme Court is well-earned, and her well-rounded career as a federal prosecutor, defense attorney, and civil lawyer and her Jersey bona fides make her supremely qualified for the Supreme Court,” Mukherji said in a statement.
“Our state’s rich heritage and true value lie in its diverse communities; and our courts should be a reflection of the people they serve. We will all greatly benefit from her dedication to justice and legal acumen for years to come. This is a proud and historic day for our state.”
The state senate confirmed Pierre-Louis’ appointment today by a vote of 39-0 earlier today after Gov. Phil Murphy (D) nominated her back in June.
While some officials initially expressed some trepidation about her age, 39, that quickly seemed to temper off well ahead of today’s voting session.
“I am honored to have put her name forward, and to see someone with a different set of life experiences and perspectives on our Supreme Court, a judicial body where New Jerseyans from all walks of life turn for justice,” Murphy said in a statement.
“I also thank Senate President Sweeney and Chairman Scutari for their support and conducting a thorough, fair, and open confirmation process.”
A graduate of Rutgers New Brunswick and Rutgers Law School, Pierre-Louis will be the third woman on the seven-member state Supreme Court once she is sworn in.
