RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF JUSTINE L. WHALEN, ESQUIRE, OF BRANFORD TO BE A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Stafstrom and 1 co-sponsor

Confirms the Governor’s nomination of Justine L. Whalen to the Connecticut Superior Court for an eight-year term beginning after bicameral confirmation.

ON CONSENT CALENDAR /IN CONCURRENCE

#judicialnominations-individuals-w-z

Purpose of the Bill

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 78) is a formal legislative action to confirm the Governor’s nomination of Justine L. Whalen, Esquire, of Branford, to serve as a Judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.

If confirmed, Whalen will serve an eight-year term starting from the date of confirmation by both Houses of the General Assembly, succeeding the Honorable Cesar A. Noble.

Key Provisions

Nomination Confirmation: The resolution explicitly approves and confirms the Governor’s nomination of Justine L. Whalen for a position on the Superior Court.

Term Length: The judge’s term is eight years, beginning on the date both the House and Senate confirm the appointment.

Succession: The appointment would fill the vacancy following Judge Cesar A. Noble.

Official Roles and Scope: Upon confirmation, Whalen would assume duties as a Judge of the Superior Court, which handles statewide trial-level matters, including civil and criminal cases, family matters, and other judicial responsibilities as designated by Connecticut law.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Nominee: Justine L. Whalen, Esquire (Branford, CT) — her professional background would become the basis for judicial duties on the Superior Court.

Judicial System: Connecticut Superior Court system — the addition of a new eight-year judge to handle cases within the court’s jurisdiction.

Precedent/Continuity: The vacancy created by Judge Noble’s departure would be filled by Whalen, maintaining courtroom capacity and caseload management.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced By: Rep. Stafstrom (District 129) and Sen. Winfield (District 10); co-sponsored by Rep. Stafstrom and Sen. Winfield.

Referral: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Public Hearing and Reports:

Public hearing conducted on April 13, 2026.
The committee delivered a favorable report (Fav. Rpt.); the bill was tabled for House calendar on that date.

House Action:

Adopted on April 20, 2026, on consent calendar.
The resolution is a concurrent action by the House and Senate required for confirmation; the House’s adoption indicates House approval of the nomination, pending Senate action (and vice versa for the Senate).

Additional Notes

The resolution is a formal, non-substantive confirmation instrument rather than substantive legislative policy. Its primary function is to enact the Governor’s nomination into an official judicial appointment for an eight-year term upon concurrent passage.

The document indicates the action history up to adoption, with final confirmation contingent upon Senate concurrence as part of the normal bicameral confirmation process.

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