RI judge confirmed, fed. appeals court

BOSTON (WPRI) - Rhode Island Superior Court Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson was confirmed on Wednesday, for a seat on the federal appeals court .

United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse recommended Justice Thompson to President Obama for nomination last spring.  She becomes the first African-American Judge and the second woman to serve on this appeals court.

“Justice Thompson exemplifies the best of Rhode Island and is an inspiration for many Americans. She is hardworking, civic minded, and has earned the respect of her peers in the legal community. Justice Thompson has served on the Rhode Island Superior Court with honor and distinction and will make an outstanding addition to the federal bench,” said Reed and Whitehouse.

Thompson who served on the Rhode Island District Court from 1988 to 1997 and the Superior Court since 1997, received her Juris Doctorate from the Boston University School of Law.  As an undergraduate student, Thompson earned her degree at Brown University and in addition holds honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Bryant College.

Justice Thompson will hear appeals from Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico as a judge on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  Since her initial nomination , Thompson has been looking forward to the prospect of this new endeavor. 

"I certainly feel very honored that they would consider me for this position," Thompson said in an interview. "I've been a trial judge for many years, and I thought this would be an exciting new legal challenge."