Chief Justice Ralph Gants of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has died, the court’s six associate justices announced yesterday.

A State House News Service account of his life, career and fatal illness may be found HERE.

Although nothing concerning the main subject of this blog appears in the account, Gants’s seeming personification of the best in this country’s judicial system merits its inclusion. It is hoped that his exceptional example will inspire others.

The Berkshire Eagle, which carried the news service report today, added a statement by Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington:

”We will deeply miss his dedication to justice and his intellect and deep thought on the Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Gants is a true champion of criminal justice reform. His advocacy made Massachusetts safer, stronger, and more equitable. He understood the power those in the justice system have over the lives of our community members and inspired us to use that power for good. We are grateful for his time serving the Commonwealth with compassion, understanding and humanity.”