Frank Williams

From Judgepedia

Frank J. Williams was the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 2001 until his retirement in 2008. He continued to serve the court on senior status until stepping down on October 20, 2009. ^[1]

Judicial career

He served as the chief justice beginning 2001 after having been appointed to the court as a justice in 1995. Republican Governor Lincoln Almond appointed Williams to the court. The justices of the Rhode Island Supreme Court hold office for life, however, in December 2008, Justice Williams announced his retirement effective December 31, 2008. ^[2]

The Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission reviewed candidates for his replacement and submitted a list to Republican Governor Carcieri. Carcieri nominated Paul Suttell for the position of Chief Justice, and he was unanimously approved by the Senate.

Office renovation controversy

Shortly after Williams stepped down from the Supreme Court, $42,000 was spent to renovate his chambers. The expense sparked controversy, which Williams answered by saying: "I take the responsibility. I'll stand up for what was done here any day of the week". ^[3]

Stepping down from the court

After Williams resigned from the court in 2008 he continued to serve it on senior status until October 20, 2009 when he stepped down fully. He stated that a divorce case involving his former driver has created an "unnecessary distraction." ^[4] The husband of his former driver has accused Williams of spending too much time with their 6-year-old daughter, Williams' god-daughter. ^[5] Williams claims that he never spent time with his god-daughter without an invitation from her parents. ^[6]

External links

• Author profile of Williams
• A List Of The Judicial Misconduct Of Chief Justice Frank J. Williams from Caught.net

References

v • d • e Rhode Island Supreme Court Current Chief: Suttell • Goldberg • Flaherty • Robinson • [[Vacancy]] Former Williams