Six Nassau judges sworn in, reflect on justice

Six judges took oaths of office Wednesday in Nassau County, thanking supporters and reflecting on their roles in the justice system.

"We judges affect people's lives every single day. . . . I hope that when I make a decision, it is a decision that is right and justice is done," said state Supreme Court Justice Angelo Delligatti, 69, who took his oath after being praised by Nassau Republican Party chairman Joseph Mondello.

State Supreme Court Justice Anna Anzalone, 69, was sworn in after her daughter, attorney Annalisa DeFalco, spoke about the pride she felt in her mother's accomplishments.

"I proceed with sincerity, energy and patience," Anzalone said. ". . . I try to place myself in the shoes, so to speak, of the other person -- litigants and lawyers both. And I am mindful of the impact of my words and deeds."

Nassau County Judge Terence Murphy, 59, who as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve in Iraq helped develop the criminal case against Saddam Hussein, vowed to "continuously endeavor to prove true to the trust and the confidence" Nassau residents placed in him.

Nassau County Judge William O'Brien, 58, spoke of being raised by his mother after his father died when O'Brien was a teenager. He said he took the oath on what would have been the 93rd birthday of his mother.

"Happy birthday, Mom. I hope I made you proud," he said.

Nassau County Judge Francis Ricigliano, 51, spoke about how much it meant to him to be a judge, and how one drug-addicted defendant's turnaround cemented his passion for serving on the bench, even after he had lost past elections.

"Serving the people of Nassau County in a judicial capacity is an honor and a blessing," he said.

State Supreme Court Justice Sharon Gianelli, 52, gave a speech after her oath that finished with a poem.

"Faith, education, integrity, hard work and caring -- guiding principles, always part of my rearing. Being a judge is an honor, there's no denying. I take it seriously and work hard and sometimes, there's even crying," Gianelli said, before ending with: "Note to self: Go forth and do justice."

Anzalone, Murphy, O'Brien, Ricigliano and Gianelli were district court judges when elected to their roles. Delligatti was elected to his new role while serving as a Nassau County judge.