Hugh B. Baker Explained

Hugh B. Baker (June 17, 1882 – 1959)^[1] was a justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1935 to 1956.

Baker was the son of Darius Baker, who also served on the state supreme court. Baker received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 1903, and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1906.^[2]

Baker was the presiding judge of the state Superior Court judge until 1935, when the Democratic Party unexpectedly gained control of the state legislature, and appointed an entirely new state supreme court, including Baker.^[3] He served until his resignation from the court on January 18, 1956.^[4]

Notes and References

1. "Rites For Justice Hugh Baker Held; Colleagues Of Bench, Bar Attend", Newport Daily News (October 5, 1959), p. 2.
2. "100 Years of the Rhode Island Superior Court: 1905–2005", Rhode Island Superior Court Centennial 1905–2005 (2005).
3. "R. I. Republicans Left Groggy By Democratic Coup", St. Albans Daily Messenger (January 2, 1935), p. 7.
4. "Andrews, Roberts, Paolino Named To Three Vacancies On State Supreme Court", Newport Daily News (January 18, 1956), p. 1.