Paul Suttell is the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He assumed office on July 16, 2009. In Rhode Island, the position of chief justice is a specific seat on the court (similar to the Supreme Court of the United States) rather than a peer-selected leadership position. Gov. Donald Carcieri nominated Suttell on June 22, 2009, to replace retiring Chief Justice Frank Williams. The Rhode Island State Senate confirmed Suttell on June 25, 2009. Suttell first became a member of the court through a gubernatorial appointment. He was appointed to the court as an associate justice in 2003. The justices on the Rhode Island Supreme Court hold office for life.
