RICHARD E. GALWAY became a Supreme Court justice on February 13, 2004. "We made a very wise choice," said Governor Craig Benson, who nominated Galway and officiated at the swearing-in ceremony.

Galway, a former Superior Court Judge, replaces Chief Justice David Brock, who retired Dec. 31st. A trial attorney for 25 years at Devine, Millimet & Branch in Manchester, Galway is also a past president and managing partner of the firm. He said that the governor’s nomination allowed him to fulfill a dream he has had ever since he started practicing law in the early 70’s.

Galway is Benson’s second judicial appointment. His appointment leaves the Superior Court down by three from its full complement of 28 because of the recent retirements of Associate Justice Peter Smith and Chief Justice Walter Murphy, who was replaced by Justice Robert Lynn in Gov. Benson’s first judicial appointment.

Justice Galway is most noted for his 2001 ruling that the statewide property tax that helps fund education is unconstitutional, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. At his swearing-in he said that, "all power resides and derives from the people of this state." He also believes that the two branches of government—judicial and legislative—should commit to open communication and respect.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Galway attended the University of Leeds in England as a Fulbright scholar in 1966-67. He received his J.D. degree from Boston University Law School in 1970.

At the ceremony, Galway thanked his wife Anita, his daughter Aralee and his son Brendan. He also thanked the judges he has worked with over the years: "Jointly we have helped each other raise the bar for the state and its citizens," he said.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John T. Broderick believes that Galway will make an "enormous contribution" to the court. Both practiced at the Devine Millimet law firm and both have served as NHBA president, Galway in 1982-82 and Broderick in 1990-91. Galway, in a statement following his nomination, said, "I pledge to bring the principles of fairness, integrity and humility to the Supreme Court."

Galway’s choice of a location for his swearing-in — the NH Senate Chamber —had symbolic significance. Although it is now home to the legislative branch, it is common ground for the judiciary as well because the NH Supreme Court previously sat there.

On Feb. 13, 2004, Justice Richard Galway was sworn in by Gov. Craig Benson (at left) as Associate Justice of the NH Supreme Court. Holding the family bible for the ceremony are Galway’s son Brendan (third from right), wife Anita and daughter Aralee. The ceremony took place in the NH Senate Chamber, which is a former home of the NH Supreme Court. Photo by Lee Marriner.

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