The state appeals court has a new chief justice, the first of Gov. Charlie Baker's judicial nominees to be put on the bench.
Judge Scott Kafker was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court after he was approved, 7-1, by the Governor's Council, the elected body that vets judges.
Kafker has been an associate justice on the appeals court since 2001, when he was made a judge by the late Gov. Paul Cellucci. He is the first of Baker's nominees to go through the council since entering office.
Kakfer told the Council during his confirmation hearing earlier this month that he wants to speed up how the court does business and promote diversity.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito swore Kafker into his new role since Baker is in Colorado for a meeting of the Republican Governor's Association.
