HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Ellen Ash Peters, who was the first woman to serve as Connecticut’s chief justice and wrote the majority opinion in the state Supreme Court’s landmark school desegregation ruling in 1996, has died. She was 94. Peters, who also was the first female faculty member at Yale Law School, passed away Tuesday, according to the Connecticut Judicial Branch. The cause and location of her death were not immediately disclosed. “What a trailblazer she was!” the current chief justice, Richard Robinson, said in a statement. “While small in stature, she was a fearless legal giant who was dedicated to upholding the rule of law. She also recognized the importance of fairness, openness, transparency and providing true equal access to justice for all.” Peters was appointed to the state Supreme Court in 1978 by then-Gov. Ella Grasso, a Democrat and the first woman who was not a spouse or widow of a former governor to be elected the governor of a U.S. state. Peters was also the first woman to serve on the state’s highest court. She became chief justice in 1984, served on the court until 1996 and later took part-time senior status. |
China's Tiandu satellites conduct EarthOlivia Williams opens up on 'harrowing' experience as guest star on season four finale of FriendsNational defense ministry slams 'Taiwan independence' separatistsChina's traffic authorities issue passenger vehicle safety reminderA London court rules against a Muslim girl who wanted to pray at a school known for strict rulesMideast countries call for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on IsraelChina, EU agree to promote peopleNorth Korea is buying Chinese surveillance cameras in a push to tighten control, report saysMideast countries call for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attack on IsraelChinese lawmakers submit 298 proposals to annual legislative session