Colleagues and critics alike say Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy will leave the state Supreme Court and unified judicial system in better shape than he found them, but some said Cappy’s legacy of reform may be partially obscured by the controversy and changes in judicial politics that stemmed from his effort to protect the court’s independence.

Cappy, 64, announced Tuesday he would step down Dec. 31 to pursue other opportunities after 17 years on the Supreme Court, including four as its chief.