Providence, RI – United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today applauded President Obama for nominating Rhode Island Superior Court Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Earlier this year, following an open and in-depth selection process which included extensive interviews and careful deliberation, the Senators recommended Justice Thompson’s nomination to the President.
“This is a great day for the United States justice system and a proud day for Rhode Island. Justice Thompson is an exceptional public servant with a profound respect for the rule of law. She possesses the legal background, intellect, and temperament to serve well and wisely on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit,” said Reed and Whitehouse.
Justice Thompson’s nomination will now be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee to be reviewed and reported out by the Committee. Once that process is completed successfully, the nomination must be confirmed by the full Senate. To date, President Obama has nominated 8 circuit court judges and 1 has been confirmed.
Ojetta Rogeriee Thompson received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law. She also holds honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Bryant College. Justice Thompson has served on the Rhode Island Superior Court since 1997, when she became the first African American woman to serve as an Associate Justice for the Rhode Island Superior Court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is based in Boston and hears appeals from Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico.
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