AJS Awards

EDWARD J. DEVITT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO JUSTICE AWARD	DWIGHT D. OPPERMAN AWARD FOR JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE
The Devitt Award is named for the late Judge Edward J. Devitt and honors annually an Article III judge of national stature. Nominations are no longer being accepted for the 29th Annual Award. To view the guidelines for this award, click here. Chief Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa has been chosen as the 29th Annual Award recipient.  Click here to view the News Release.	Nominations are now be accepted for the Eighth Annual Opperman Award. The Opperman Award was created to honor Dwight D. Opperman, former chairman and CEO of West Publishing Company.  It is presented annually to a state judge of a trial or appellate court who has had a career of distinguished judicial service.  The Seventh Annual Opperman Award recipient was Hon. Randy J. Holland, a Justice on the Delaware Supreme Court.  Here is the News Release announcing this honor and an article highlighting the presentation ceremony.
To view past recipients, and learn more about awards AJS has given in past years follow these links.
Toni House Journalism Award	Kathleen M. Sampson Access to Justice Award
Herbert Harley Award	Special Merit Citation
AJS Justice Award

Named after the late Toni House, this award recognizes outstanding news reporting that enhances public understanding of the courts and/or significantly improves the administration of justice.  The competition is open to professional journalists working in print, broadcast, or online media.  While entrants will not be eliminated from consideration for a single publication or a series, preference will be given to those who have produced a substantial body of work reflecting a lifetime of contribution to the administration of justice. 

Linda Deutsch and Angie Hendershot were the joint recipients of the 2010 Toni House Journalism Award.  Here is a list of past recipients. 

On May 18, 2007, the AJS Board of Directors approved the creation of the Kathleen M. Sampson Access to Justice Award, after long-time AJS Senior Program Associate Kathleen M. Sampson.  This award is given to an individual or organization to recognize extraordinary contributions to ensuring access to justice for all.  Past recipients include Richard Zorza and Hon. Gregory J. Donat.

Named after the founder of AJS, the Harley Award is the Society's premier state award and is reserved for individuals that make outstanding efforts and contributions that substantially improve the administration of justice in their state. 

In 2010, AJS recognized the following individuals with an AJS Herbert Harley Award
Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey of the Supreme Court of Colorado - September 24, 2010
Keith Birkes, Executive Director of the Missouri Bar - September 30, 2010
Senator William Raggio of the State of Nevada - October 18, 2010

A Special Merit Citation is reserved for recognition of projects and efforts that benefit an aspect of the judicial system including those that are narrowly focused or time specific.  This award recognizes publications, state or local courts, organizations and educational institutions that make significant contributions toward improving the justice system. 

In 2010 AJS recognized the program 7 Reasons to Leave the Party.  For more details, click here.