History in the Making: Melanie L. Cradle Nominated to Connecticut’s Supreme Court
Connecticut is on the brink of a historic moment as Chief Judge Melanie L. Cradle of the Appellate Court has been nominated by Governor Ned Lamont to join the state Supreme Court. If approved, Cradle will become the first Black woman to serve on Connecticut’s highest judicial body.
Should the General Assembly confirm her appointment, Cradle will replace Joan K. Alexander, who has announced her resignation effective August 1, while continuing as chief court administrator. Cradle’s judicial career spans over ten years, having been appointed to the Superior Court in 2013 by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and advancing to the Appellate Court in 2020 under Lamont’s nomination. She has served as chief judge since last year.
In tandem with Cradle’s nomination, Superior Court Judge W. Glen Pierson has been proposed to fill her position in the Appellate Court. Pierson, aged 57, has been a trial judge since 2017 and is currently working in the complex litigation docket in Waterbury.
The announcement of these nominations coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Governor Lamont emphasized the occasion, referring to the declaration’s iconic phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He added, “It only took us 250 years, but Melanie would be the first African American woman ever on Connecticut’s Supreme Court.” His comment was met with enthusiastic applause from colleagues, family, and legislative leaders.
Cradle’s personal history is interwoven with significant legal and societal issues. Her mother, a German immigrant who married a Black serviceman from Virginia, was present at the nomination announcement along with Cradle’s husband and two daughters. Cradle paid tribute to her parents, saying, “My mother, who is here with me today, and my father, who I know is here with me today in spirit — my success is a result of the examples set by them.”
Among those in attendance was Lubbie Harper Jr., the third Black man to serve on the state Supreme Court, whom Cradle acknowledged as a mentor.
Cradle holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and sociology from Adelphi University and earned her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Her career began as a state prosecutor before ascending to the judiciary. She expressed her commitment to the role, stating, “If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the legislature, I will work faithfully for the people of this state to earn the trust that has been placed in me.”
Pierson, poised to succeed Cradle in the Appellate Court, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in politics from Princeton University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to his judicial appointment, he was a civil litigator at Loughlin FitzGerald in Wallingford. He remarked, “It is in a spirit of humility that if I am confirmed I dedicate myself to fulfilling the ideals of our judiciary and in particular equal justice under law.” Pierson’s spouse, Judge Charles Reid, was also present at the announcement to capture the moment.
While Pierson will take over Cradle’s seat, he will not assume her role as chief judge. The chief judge of the Appellate Court is selected by Raheem L. Mullins, the Supreme Court’s chief justice, who announced that Judge Robert W. Clark, already serving on the Appellate Court, would be taking on that position.
This story was originally published by The Connecticut Mirror and shared through a partnership with The Associated Press.
