Carcieri statement on Chief Justice

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Donald L. Carcieri expressed gratitude and appreciation for Chief Justice Frank Williams upon announcement of his retirement.

"Chief Justice Frank Williams served the people of the State of Rhode Island with passion and commitment. I wish him very well in his future pursuits. The legal community was enriched by his fair and practical approach to jurisprudence. His dedication for the judicial process was matched only by his thirst for scholarship, particularly his admiration for and knowledge of the great President Lincoln."

"During his tenure, Rhode Island saw the modernization of the court system and the strengthening of the identity of the judicial branch. He has left an indelible mark on the Rhode Island Judicial system and the larger civic community and will be greatly missed on the bench."