Governor Deval Patrick administered the Oath of Office to the Honorable Geraldine S. Hines, who was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court before an assembly of several hundred people in the Great Hall of the John Adams Courthouse. She is filling a seat on the bench that was vacated by the Honorable Ralph D. Gants, who was sworn in as Chief Justice on July 28. Justice Hines is the first African-American woman appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court.

"Throughout her career, Justice Hines has been an inspiration," said Governor Patrick. "I am confident that the Supreme Judicial Court and the people of the Commonwealth will be well served by her extraordinary combination of intelligence and compassion."

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE