Justice Christina E. Nolan was formally invested as an Associate Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court on March 17, during a ceremony attended by family, friends, and colleagues at the Vermont Supreme Court Building. Many others observed the event via livestream.
The investiture marks a significant moment for both Justice Nolan and the state judiciary. The ceremony began with Chief Justice Paul Reiber and Associate Justices Harold Eaton, Nancy Waples, and Michael Drescher taking their seats on the bench. Chief Justice Reiber welcomed attendees before State Court Administrator Teri Corsones introduced speakers.
Justice Nancy Waples delivered remarks described as eloquent and inspirational. Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle offered heartfelt comments, while Hinesburg Police Sergeant Frank Bryan shared humorous anecdotes about his long friendship with Justice Nolan. Governor Phil Scott spoke about the appointment process before Jill Barcia, Justice Nolan’s partner, performed the symbolic robing ceremony.
Justice Nolan thanked her family and friends for their support throughout her career before joining her colleagues on the bench to enthusiastic applause.
The Vermont Judiciary operates as a coequal branch of government under the state’s constitution and oversees attorney discipline and judicial rules according to its official website. It promotes community safety through treatment-focused dockets for substance use and mental health issues according to its official website.
The judiciary delivers impartial justice by providing accessible forums for dispute resolution that safeguard Vermonters’ rights, public safety, and business interests according to its official website. Its operations extend across all counties through 14 Superior Court units according to its official website, offering services such as specialized courts for family, criminal, environmental matters, language interpreting services, mediation programs according to its official website, as well as collaborations like Guardian ad Litem advocating for children in abuse or neglect cases according to its official website.
Photos from the event are available along with a video of the full ceremony.
