Suttell confirmed as RI chief justice

PROVIDENCE—Paul Suttell has been confirmed as Rhode Island’s next Supreme Court chief justice.

Suttell won the unanimous support Thursday of the state Senate in the final step of his confirmation process. He received a standing ovation and was confirmed without debate.

Suttell has been a Supreme Court justice since 2003. He was tapped by Gov. Don Carcieri last month to replace Frank Williams, who retired as chief justice in December after eight years on the court.

Suttell served on the Family Court from 1990 to 2003 and was also a Republican state legislator from 1983 to 1990.