The nomination of Justice Andrew McDonald to become our state Supreme Court’s next chief justice has caused quite the legislative stir. The recent tie vote on his nomination in the Judiciary Committee sends the matter to both houses without a favorable recommendation.

The elevation of McDonald quite properly deserves an in depth scrutiny of the opinions he wrote over the last five years, as well as his dissents and concurrences. Although he was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Legislature as a justice to the highest court, the chief justice does hold a special place in guiding the entire court system, as well as the ultimate interpretation of Connecticut law.