Three SJC judges sit for first cases, two recusals expected this week

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker's influence on the Supreme Judicial Court was seen for the first time Tuesday as the court returned from its summer recess with three new justices hand-picked by Baker.
Justices Kimberly Budd, Frank Gaziano and David Lowy — plucked from the Superior Court ranks by Baker and confirmed by the Governor's Council this summer — took their seats on the bench Tuesday morning as the SJC prepared to hear cases. But not until Thursday will the complete seven-judge court sit in full for a complete day of hearings.