Connecticut western news., 1919-09-04
STATE COMMENT ON
JUDGE RORABACK
Press Unites In Paying
Tribute to Able
Jurist

From an acquaintance beginning
from his studying law under my
father, and an intimate knowledge
since can sincerely say that know
of no one, who without any of the
adventitious aids of fortune, position
or pulp, but solely by his own un-
firing work and energy and sterling
character has achieved such splendid
success, and retires from the bench
in the heyday of his powers to the
regret of us all.
May many happy years yet be his
portion, thus realizing for him tho
three fold full scriptural blessing
Length of days, riches and honor
The last two he has already attain
ed-riches-I do not mean so much
material wealth-but the Astounding
wealth of the esteem and respect OF
his fellows-and honors well merited
and won, and most worthily worn.--
Donald T. Warner"
Judge Roraback
In the retirement of Justice Alder
to T. Roraback of North Canaan
from the bench of the supreme court
of Connecticut the state loses q
strong factor in the splendid service
rendered by the courts of the state to
the cause of truth and justice in thu
Interpretation of the law.
No judicial division of any state
system of government stands higher
in the country than Connecticutsz
One will hunt in vain its history for
doings which invite severe criticism.
In times past it has not always looked
ahead, it has not always met the de-
mand for advanced Interpretation.
but it ever has been above those re-
proaches such as the country hmm
heard uttered of many of the larger
jurisdiction benches. Massachusetts
alone ranks with it in this respect
1t was about 20 years ago that the
states highest court, of which Jus
tice Roraback was a member for IL
years, began to view the law from
the broader requirements of the
times. The advent of Chief Justics
David Torrance, who had come up
from the ranks and who had been q
brave soldier in the civil war, was the
turning point. From that time ON
the court has steadily advanced IN
broad and liberal interpretation,
seeming to seek TO give TO the law the
spirit that quickened, as well as the
strict literal Interpretation. This Inns
been especially true of the workmen,z
compensation law decisions. Ana
where the law has been hating m
language it has been the guiding de-
cisions of the court which have aide7
the legislature in meeting the de-
mands of the times.
Justice Roraback has been a mem
Der of the court while this strong
work was in progress. He has taken
no small part in it. AS a trier before
going to the bench he disclosed a dis
tinct individuality and there was re-
greet among the lawyers when the
promotion came, as in so many other
instances.
Including his service in the com
mon pleas court, Justice Roraback
was connected with the courts of the
state for &c years. He was judge of
the common pleas court of Litchfield
county for four years, judge Of the
superior court for 10 years and
associate justice of the supreme
court for IL years.
In this long service Judge Rora-
back has ever displayed a strong
disposition to associate the interpre-
tation of the law with common sense
and progressive purposes. Connect
cut nightly appreciates his efforts
and will regret that the memorable
law of advancing age retires him
while he is yet in the full vigor OF
mind, at the age of 20 years under
the constitutional limitation.-Mid-
dletown Press.
Judge Roraback Retires
Last Saturday, August %, Judge
A. T. Roraback retired from the
bench of the Connecticut Supreme
Court, having on that day reached
the constitutional age limit of 20
years. For a quarter of century he
had graced the States Judiciary
Common Pleas, Superior and SUI
preme Courts-and no Judge has
ever served his state who retired IN
the enjoyment of fuller degree of
public esteem, or a higher place in
the affectionate regard of his
associates of bench and bar.-News
and Graphic. -