AUGUSTA – Superior Court Justice Ellen Gorman of Auburn has been nominated by Gov. John Baldacci for a seat on the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.
Baldacci also announced that he’s nominating Waterville attorney Michaela Murphy to take Gorman’s place on the Superior Court bench.
Both nominations require Judiciary Committee and then state Senate confirmation. Governor’s office officials said that should happen in September.
Gorman’s nomination follows the resignation of Justice Susan Calkins from the high court effective Oct. 1.
Calkins is one of two female justices on the state Supreme Court’s seven-member bench, along with Chief Justice Leigh Ingalls Saufley.
Keeping that balance was a factor in the search process for Calkins’ replacement, said John Hobson, chairman of the governor’s judicial selection committee.
Hobson said it was Gorman’s record that stood out, both in district courts, where she spent 11 years, and in superior courts, where she has served since 2000.
Gorman has presided over superior courts in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.
“Justice Gorman’s record is one of excellence,” Hobson said.
Gorman’s job will be a little different now, Hobson said. In superior courts, she dealt with more serious crimes and civil matters. The Supreme Judicial Court, however, deals with cases that have already been adjudicated through the lower courts but verdicts or sentences have been appealed. It also has jurisdiction over the state bar and disciplinary proceedings, and advise the governor and Legislature on certain legal questions.
Norm Croteau, district attorney for Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties, praised Gorman’s “excellent judgment and consideration.”
He dealt with her on criminal matters, where he said she was very knowledgeable.
Gorman was vacationing out of the country and not available for comment Monday.
At her re-appointment confirmation hearing in April, she spoke of her work on the Lewiston drug court, where she helped those with prior drug addictions get jobs or go to school in lieu of prison time, and reshape their lives.
“Justice Gorman has distinguished herself while serving on the Superior Court,” Baldacci said in a statement. “She has the intellect, temperament and skills necessary to handle complex cases and to assure that everyone that appears in her court is treated fairly. She will make an exceptional justice to Maine’s highest court.”
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