FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
January 27, 2003
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CHESTER CO. RESIDENT CONFIRMED FOR PA SUPREME COURT
SENATORS THOMPSON AND ERICKSON BACK WILLIAM LAMB FOR BENCH
The Senate today confirmed the nomination of Chester County resident
William H. Lamb for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, according
to state Senators Robert J. Thompson, R-19th District, and Ted Erickson,
R-26th District.
Lamb was a constituent of Senator Thompson, but is now represented by
Senator Erickson after reapportionment.
The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee and the Senate
Judiciary Committee both endorsed Lamb's nomination earlier in the day.
"I have known Bill for all his adult life, that's not to say all my
adult life," Senator Thompson said during an introduction of Lamb before
the Judiciary Committee. "I have been fortunate to have known him as a
public official and as a friend. I can't think of anyone more qualified
for the bench."
"His only transgression was going south to a small school to get his
undergraduate degree," Senator Thompson, said jokingly of Lamb, an honor
graduate of Duke University. "Fortunately, he saw the light and came
back to the University of Pennsylvania to get his law degree."
Senator Thompson detailed Lamb's role in Chester County's legal
community, as an Assistant District Attorney from 1967-72, Chester
County District Attorney from 1972-80, and including his service from
1981-84 related to the prosecution of the Johnston brothers for robbery
and murder.
"One of my first duties as a (Chester) County Commissioner was to
sign an order for Bill to serve as a special investigator for the
Johnston case," Senator Thompson said. Lamb also played a key role in
updating Pennsylvania's venue rules as a result of that case.
Senator Erickson also praised Lamb's service.
"He has a solid record as a lawyer and as someone who is active in
the community," Senator Erickson said. "He will be an excellent addition
to the bench and I expect he will not just fulfill this term, but will
be an active jurist."
Lamb replaces retired Justice Stephen A. Zappala. The position will
be filled during the 2003 general election and Lamb has announced that
he will not run for the seat. Chester County has not had a
representative on the state Supreme Court since 1847.
