New Calif. Justice Gets Insurers' Thumbs Up

California's newest Supreme Court justice is getting a cautious endorsement from insurance interests.

Their comments came after Carol Corrigan, an appeals court judge, became the first California high court appointee of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to be confirmed.

Justice Corrigan was approved Wednesday by the state Commission on Judicial Appointments in a unanimous vote to finish the term of Justice Janice Rogers Brown, who was appointed last summer to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. She will be on the ballot in November for voters to elect her to her own 12-year term.

Although Justice Corrigan was not involved with any major insurance litigation during her time on the State Appellate Court, insurance and other business groups responded with cautious optimism to the confirmation.

"We think she's going to be an overall plus on business and liability issues," said John Sullivan, president of the Civil Justice Association of California, a civil litigation reform advocacy group.

Most of Justice Corrigan's early experience was in criminal law, Mr. Sullivan acknowledged, and the CAJC has not been involved in any cases before her, but she is described as "intelligent and balanced."

"We think she's going to be a great justice," he added.

Nicole Mahrt, a spokesperson for the American Insurance Association in Sacramento, also acknowledged an unfamiliarity with Justice Corrigan, but added that, "from what we've heard, this is a good solid appointment."

The AIA's confidence in Justice Corrigan, Ms. Mahrt said, was based on their confidence in the man who appointed her.

"This is a governor that tries to balance the needs of everyday Californians with the needs of a thriving economy, and we certainly support his efforts to try and keep that balance."