Senate Leadership
June 23, 2006
Williams: Justice Sullivan's Actions Disappointing But Not Surprising
The former Chief Justice should resign from his remaining judicial responsibilities
State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) today called outgoing Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice William J. Sullivan's attempt quash a lawfully-issued subpoena requiring him to testify before a legislative committee "disappointing but not surprising."
Justice Sullivan's attorneys went to a Waterbury Superior Court Judge today with an ex parte motion to quash the subpoena. They sought to block enforcement of the subpoena without a hearing and without the chance for other parties to be heard. The judge denied the motion.
"While other justices are willing to come forward and voluntarily clear the air concerning the worst Connecticut judicial scandal in recent memory, Justice Sullivan apparently believes it is better to stonewall and fight a subpoena rather than tell his side of the story. At this point, it would be in the interest of the integrity of our judicial system that Mr. Sullivan resign and step aside from his remaining judicial duties," said Sen. Williams.
Back in March, then-Chief Justice Sullivan personally ordered a "hold" be placed on the release of a controversial court decision. By his own admission, Justice Sullivan did so because he thought the release of the ruling might jeopardize the nomination of Justice Peter Zarella to succeed him. Governor Rell nominated Justice Zarella as the next chief justice and repeatedly called for fast-tracking his approval.
Added Sen. Williams, "There is still much we do not know about why the governor's office was pushing legislative leaders and the chairmen of the Judiciary Committee so hard to speed Mr. Zarella's nomination through the legislature at the same time a potentially embarrassing opinion was being withheld by Mr. Sullivan. The gamesmanship and politics that was played with a critical judicial appointment was unprecedented, and the public has a right to know what happened so that this does not occur again."
|
Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
