Connecticut Supreme Court to Welcome Its First Black Woman Justice

WHO:

WTNH - Gov. Ned Lamont announced the nomination of Melanie L. Cradle.

CT Mirror - Chief Judge Melanie L. Cradle of the Appellate Court.

WHAT:

WTNH - Melanie L. Cradle is nominated to fill a forthcoming vacancy for an associate justice position on the Connecticut Supreme Court.

WTNH - Upon taking the oath, Cradle will become the first African American woman in Connecticut state history to serve on the Supreme Court.

CT Mirror - Cradle will succeed Joan Alexander, who has submitted her resignation as an associate justice.

WHERE:

WTNH - Connecticut Supreme Court.

WHEN:

WTNH - The vacancy is described as forthcoming, with no specific date provided for when Cradle will take the oath.

WHY:

WTNH - The nomination aims to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Joan Alexander.

HOW:

WTNH - Gov. Ned Lamont made the nomination announcement.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 01:51 UTC)

Governor Ned Lamont has announced the nomination of Chief Judge Melanie L. Cradle to fill a forthcoming vacancy for an associate justice position on the Connecticut Supreme Court. Once she takes the oath, Cradle will make history as the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court in Connecticut, succeeding Joan Alexander, who has resigned from her position. The specific date for when Cradle will take the oath has not been provided, but the nomination is a significant step for representation in the state's judiciary.