Trailblazing Rhode Island Justice Reflects on 35-Year Legacy

Judge Maureen McKenna Goldberg was the only woman on the state's high court for 20 years, earning a reputation as a fierce prosecutor and tough-minded jurist.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:52am

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A pensive, solitary figure of a woman sitting in a dimly lit, wood-paneled room, the warm light casting dramatic shadows across her face, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of her long tenure on the bench.After 35 years on Rhode Island's highest court, Justice Goldberg reflects on her pioneering career as a trailblazing jurist.East Providence Today

After 35 years on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg is reflecting on her pioneering career as the second-longest serving justice in state history. Goldberg, who was the only woman on the court for two decades, is known for her sharp legal mind, tough questioning of lawyers, and commitment to upholding the law and the Bill of Rights.

Why it matters

Goldberg's long tenure on the Rhode Island Supreme Court is a testament to her legal acumen and strength of character in a male-dominated field. As one of just three women to ever serve on the state's highest court, her legacy paves the way for greater gender diversity in the judiciary.

The details

Goldberg, who attended St. Mary's Academy Bay View, Providence College, and Suffolk Law School, quickly earned a reputation as a fierce prosecutor before taking the bench. She handled high-profile cases involving organized crime and former Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci. On the court, Goldberg was known for her tough questioning of lawyers and unwavering commitment to the law and the Constitution.

  • Goldberg was appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in 1991.
  • She served as the only woman on the court for 20 years.
  • Goldberg is the second-longest serving justice in state history, having served under seven governors and three chief justices.

The players

Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

A trailblazing jurist who served on the Rhode Island Supreme Court for 35 years, including two decades as the only woman on the court.

Robert Goldberg

Justice Goldberg's husband, who is a prominent Republican attorney in Rhode Island. Their relationship required Goldberg to recuse herself from some cases.

Col. Stone

A famed Rhode Island State Police colonel who was friends with Justice Goldberg.

Buddy Cianci

The former mayor of Providence, whom Goldberg prosecuted for a violent assault.

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What they’re saying

“I remember I had a witness in the grand jury, and we took a break and he came out and said 'if you were a man I'd punch you in the mouth.' I said go ahead. And there was a couple of state troopers there and they immediately went to headquarters and reported it.”

— Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

“He was a very difficult case. You know he committed a serious crime and he's lucky he didn't go to jail for it.”

— Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

“Honesty, integrity and character were the most important aspects of his life. And he was an alcoholic. A prominent member, to the extent you can be prominent of alcoholics anonymous for 45 years. He was a wonderful father and my mother was too. We had a wonderful home life.”

— Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

“I'm lucky very lucky and I think he's lucky too.”

— Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

“I've always said to family and friends and everybody else. Make sure you remember me as a good sport, but I'd like them to know I tried my best.”

— Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg

What’s next

In retirement, Justice Goldberg will continue to have some court responsibilities, but plans to spend more time on her boat and with her 13 nieces and nephews.

The takeaway

Justice Goldberg's trailblazing 35-year career on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, including two decades as the only woman on the bench, stands as a testament to her legal acumen, strength of character, and commitment to upholding the law and the Constitution. Her legacy paves the way for greater gender diversity in the state's judiciary.