The American Bar Association Justice Center is seeking nominations for the 2004 John Marshall Award, honoring an individual who has made a positive national impact on the justice system. The deadline for nominations is March 12.
The award was established in 2001 to honor John Marshall, fourth chief justice of the United States, who is credited with establishing the independence of the judiciary and enhancing its moral authority. Last year’s award was presented to former U.S. Sen. Howell Heflin of Alabama. Prior winners include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
Nominees may be non-lawyers. Eligibility is open to any individual responsible for extraordinary improvements to the administration of justice in the categories of judicial independence, justice system reform and public awareness about the justice system.
“By commemorating Chief Justice John Marshall, the award brings appropriate distinction and recognition to those who actively and creatively ensure that our justice system remains strong, vital and, most importantly, responsive to the needs of all Americans,” said John Vittone of Washington, D.C., chair of the ABA Justice Center Coordinating Council.
Nominations should include an entry form (accessible at www.abanet.org/justicecenter), resume or biographical sketch, description of the nominee’s contribution or impact, letters of support (limit five), and any other pertinent information. Nominations should be sent to the ABA Justice Center, John Marshall Award, 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Chicago, Ill. 60611 or to fax number 312/988-5709.
For more information call 312/988-5700, or visit www.abanet.org/justicecenter/.
The award will be presented during the ABA Annual Meeting in Atlanta on Aug. 8, at the ABA Judicial Division’s Annual Dinner in Honor of the Judiciary.
The American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. With more than 400,000 members, the ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.