State’s Chief Justice Speaks on Constitution Day
Sacred Heart University marked Constitution Day this month with a distinguished visitor, Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson, who spoke of memorable court cases, his strong conviction to the rule of law and thoughts on today’s political climate.
Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson
In front of a crowded forum at the Frank and Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, Robinson was introduced by Gary Rose, professor and chair of the department of government. Rose gave a brief biography of Robinson, who started his career working as legal counsel for Stamford’s city government. He was appointed to the state superior court in 2000 and served in that position until 2007 when he was then appointed to the state appellate court. In 2013, he was appointed to the state supreme court. Robinson made headlines in 2018 when he became the first African-American to be appointed Connecticut Supreme Court chief justice.
“I’m aware of the responsibility that accompanies this great honor,” Robinson told the audience of students, faculty and staff.
Born in 1957, the Stamford native lived through the civil rights movement and is no stranger to racism. His struggles and successes affected him profoundly and led him to pursue a career in law. He recalled a professor suggesting he go into medicine, he said, but the desire to explore the legal world was too strong.
Robinson explained the difference between the federal constitution, which he called the “floor,” and Connecticut’s constitution, or the “ceiling.” The federal document can’t take things away from its citizens, he said, while the state constitution can build on what the U.S. Constitution has established.
While there are measures in place to ensure the constitutions work correctly, Robinson said he is worried. “Too many people have lost their trust in government and the courts,” he said, citing polarization as a problem. “Both sides of the political spectrum need to come together–come to the table and compromise.”
When a court case is called to recess, the two opposing lawyers shake hands, Robinson said, noting, “There’s no reason why others can’t do the same.”
As an optimist, he said, he has great faith the country will “strive and survive.”
Robinson concluded with advice for students, telling them to “mind your manners, stand your ground, pick your battles carefully, make a mistake, admit it and move on.”
Robinson then sat with Ron Ropiak, journalist and host of WSHU’s The Full Story, for a one-on-one interview, during which the judge showed off his Middle English language skills and told the story of when he learned of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
Robinson said through all the unrest that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, the one thing that held the nation together was the fact that no one was considered above the law. Ropiak asked if the country is better off now than it was then, and Robinson said yes. “But are we where we should be? No,” he said. “But we’re better today than then. We’re not perfect, but we’re still learning.” He said the country is at a low-point, and people must find ways to talk with one another.
After the interview, the event opened up for audience questions. Robinson talked more on the state constitution, his desire to get involved in “low-bono” work and his feelings on cameras in the court room.
