Governor's Council To Vote On SJC Court Nominee

The Governor's Council is expected to vote this week on Gov. Deval Patrick's pick to fill a vacancy on the state's highest court.

Patrick last month tapped appeals court judge Geraldine Hines for a spot on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

The 66-year-old would fill the seat left vacant when associate SJC justice Ralph Grants becomes chief justice of the court.

The current chief justice, Roderick Ireland, is retiring.

Hines nomination has already been the subject of a confirmation hearing. The eight-member council, which has final say on judicial nominations, is expected to vote on Hines on Wednesday.

Hines previously served on the Superior Court and would be the first black woman to sit on the SJC if confirmed. The Mississippi native also worked as a private attorney and law professor.