Nominations for the Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence are now open. The Opperman Award is presented annually to a state judge of a trial or appellate court who has had a career of distinguished judicial service.   

To qualify, a nominee must sit on and have at least ten years of judicial service on a trial and/or appellate court of general civil and/or criminal jurisdiction from one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. The Opperman Award will be given to a qualified judge whose career is characterized by: 

·          Decisions that, through their wisdom, humanity and commitment to the rule of law, make clear that bench, bar and community alike would willingly entrust that judge with the most complex cases of the most far-reaching import; and 

·          Writings, including opinions, lectures, or other publications, that reveal scholarship and dedication to the improvement of the judicial process; and/or 

·          Activities that have helped to improve the administration of justice, advance the rule of law, reinforce collegial ties within the judicial branch, or strengthen civic ties within local, national, or international communities. 

The award is named for Dwight D. Opperman, former chairman and CEO of West Publishing Company. Mr. Opperman is a native of Perry, Iowa, and graduated from Drake University and Drake Law School.

Any interested person or organization may submit a nomination. Entries should set forth the nominee’s accomplishments and professional activities that have contributed to the administration of justice.  Each nomination should include a statement by the nominator in support of the nomination and all available contact information for the nominator and the nominee. The nominator may supply additional materials in support of the nomination.

Nominations should be postmarked by November 4, 2011 and be addressed to:
American Judicature Society
Attn: Opperman Award Selection Panel
2700 University Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311

Please contact Krista Maeder at 800.626.4089 with any questions.