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Nebraska’s Distinguished Judges
The highest distinction given a judge by the Nebraska Chief Justice is the distinguished service award. Since 1999, two annual awards are presented to publicly recognize the work of Nebraska judges both in their communities and within the judicial system.
The first award, Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System, recognizes projects or activities that have a positive impact on the administration of justice and benefit present and future users of the Nebraska court system. The second award, Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community, recognizes activities that address public and community needs. Both awards recognize the work of judges in projects that enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system.
Click the year below to view award recipients.
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
2011 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Judges of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, both past and present, on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Court. In 1990, the Nebraska Legislature proposed a constitutional amendment to create an intermediate Court of Appeals. In November 1990, the voters of the State of Nebraska approved the amendment, and the Court of Appeals was established on September 6, 1991. Press Release Link for the Court of Appeals' Distinguished Service Award |
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Susan Bazis, Douglas County Court, 4th Judicial District, for her leadership in Nebraska’s recent comprehensive review of the statutes, court rules and procedures involved in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings across the state.
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2010 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Everett O. Inbody, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, honored for his distinguished service on all levels of the judiciary within Nebraska and for his work with children throughout the State. 2010 marks Judge Inbody’s 24th year of service on the bench; 5 years in the county/juvenile court, 5 years on the district court bench and the remainder with the Court of Appeals. Inbody is presently serving as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, a position he has held since 2004. |
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. James E. Doyle, IV , Dawson County District Judge, 11th Judicial District, recognized as current Chairperson of the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Problem-Solving Courts where he provides direction and structure to a statewide committee of judges, lawyers and individuals involved with drug and other problem-solving courts, which he has led since February 2008. Judge Doyle balances his drug court committee work with his service on the Case Management Committee for Nebraska Trial Courts and the Nebraska Supreme Court Automation Advisory Committee. |
2009 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Michael Offner, Adams County Court Judge, 10th Judicial District, honored for his commitment to Nebraska’s smaller communities, insuring that their citizens receive the same quality service as those in larger metro areas. Judge Offner is cited as the driving force behind the 10th Judicial District’s jump in technology use including Skype video and audio and the use of the WIKI calendar. Additionally, Judge Offner is the first county court judge to have established National Adoption Day in his region in 2005. Now, the Hastings community has not only committed to an annual celebration for the full district but has committed a portion of their donations to other courts wanting to start a celebration. Press Release Link for Judge Offner’s Distinguished Service Award |
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Robert C. Wester, Sarpy County Court Judge, 2nd Judicial District, nominated for his long-term, ongoing service to the Stephen Center; a shelter for the homeless, along with a newer separate residential chemical dependency facility in Omaha. The Center opened in 1984 and for most, if not all, of that time Judge Wester is credited as being a critical component of the Center’s success. In the words of Stephen Center staff, “The Stephen Center is a much more beautiful and richer place because of the countless hours of personal volunteer service Judge Wester so selflessly dedicates to its needs. The health, hope and promise for those unhealthy, despairing, and doubting homeless are lifted by the efforts of Judge Bob Wester.” Press Release Link for Judge Wester’s Distinguished Service Award |
2008 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Patrick G. Rogers, Madison County District Judge (now retired), 7th Judicial District, nominated for his willingness to assist throughout the state’s judicial system anytime or anywhere. He was also cited for establishing a drug court, promoting access to the court system by non-English speaking litigants and teaching at judicial seminars.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Rogers' Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Paul W. Korslund, Gage County District Judge, 1st Judicial District, recognized as the first trial court judge in the state to preside over a televised jury and for partnering with his educational service unit to provide law day programming to high school classrooms in Beatrice via his courtroom Web cam.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Korslund’s Distinguished Service Award
2007 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Curtis L. Maschman, Richardson County Judge, 1st Judicial District, and Hon. Patrick R. McDermott, Colfax County Judge, 5th Judicial District, jointly recognized for their innovation and assistance in developing several portions of the computer system used in Nebraska’s trial courts.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Distinguished Service Award presented to Judges McDermott and Maschman
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Todd Hutton, Sarpy County Judge, 2nd Judicial District, for his determination in the establishment of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s PEOPLE (Public Education Outreach Promoting Law & Equity) committee and his leadership of its Media Subcommittee.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Hutton’s Distinguished Service Award
2006 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. John M. Gerrard, Supreme Court Justice, 3rd Appellate Court District, nominated for his unfaltering commitment to court reforms designed to better serve Nebraska’s minority and immigrant communities. In both his role as chair of the Minority Justice Implementation Committee and chair of the Interpreter Advisory Council, he has led numerous initiatives promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the courts and diversity in the legal profession.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Gerrard’s Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Lawrence D. Gendler, Sarpy County Separate Juvenile Court Judge, honored for his extensive community involvement and leadership ability. His volunteer work spans from safety councils to detention programming to safe communities; also his recent acceptance of chairmanship of the Nebraska Supreme Court’s “Through the Eyes of the Child” Initiative, benefiting children across the state.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Gendler’s Distinguished Service Award
2005 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Bernard J. McGinn, Lancaster County District Judge (now retired), 3rd Judicial District, nominated for the exemplary judicial temperament, patience, tact, and understanding that repeatedly won him the Nebraska Bar poll’s highest ratings; also serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all Nebraska’s judges.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge McGinn’s Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Richard D. Sievers, Court of Appeals, 1st Appellate Court District, and; Hon. Teresa K. Luther, District Judge Hall County, 9th Judicial District, jointly awarded for their establishment and implementation of the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Pro Se Litigation.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Distinguished Service Award presented to Judges Sievers and Luther
2004 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Steven B. Timm, Gage County Judge, 1st Judicial District, for his willingness to volunteer his time to educate young lawyers, monitor legislation, and help new judges across the state. His service as the “go-to” player for the Nebraska County Judges Association has served the judicial community well.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Timm ’s Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Linda S. Porter, Lancaster County Separate Juvenile Court Judge, for her promotion of and teaching for the innovative Teen Parents and the Law program, her deep commitment to protecting children, and helping families.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Porter ’s Distinguished Service Award
2003 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. John P. Icenogle, Buffalo County District Judge, 9th Judicial District, for his excellent communication skills, ability to set a ‘roadmap’ for change while remaining respectful, and clear vision for seeking the best outcome for children.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Icenogle’s Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Wadie Thomas, Douglas County Separate Juvenile Court Judge, for his establishment and promotion of Omaha’s National Adoption Day, his visibility on speaking out against domestic violence, and promoting alternatives to incarceration for juveniles.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Thomas’ Distinguished Service Award
2002 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Karen B. Flowers, Lancaster County District Judge, 3rd Judicial District, for her leadership and supervision of the first drug court in Lancaster County. Other endeavors include teaching the Domestic Relations section of new judge orientation and other educational participation. She also served as president of the Lincoln chapter of the American Inns of Court, past president of the Lincoln Bar Association, and past chair of the Nebraska Bar Association’s House of Delegates.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Flowers' Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. William B. Cassel, Brown County District Judge, 8th Judicial District (now Judge of the Court of Appeals) and; Hon. Robert R. Steinke, Platte County District Judge, 5th Judicial District, recognized jointly for their commitment as regional coordinators for the Nebraska High School Mock Trial Project for many years. Additionally, Judge Cassel set up a Web site for the 8th Judicial District and provides a spreadsheet program via the Internet for use by judges and lawyers in calculating child support payments.
2001 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Alan L. Brodbeck, Holt County Judge, 8th Judicial District, recognized for his long service as chairman of the county judges’ education committee and other education efforts. He also developed a Web site for the Nebraska County Judges Association in 1998. The site is divided into two parts; a public portion that seeks to educate citizens about the workings of the court and a private side dedicated to information for fellow judges.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Brodbeck's Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Douglas F. Johnson, Douglas County Separate Juvenile Court Judge, for maintaining a rigorous schedule as a volunteer and leader within his community. As a judge, his efforts include serving on the Board of Trustees of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and is involved in the Permanency Planning for Children Project; speaker for the Foster Care Review Board and The Troubled Children and Youth Conferences; played a major role in starting the CASA program in Douglas County; and for starting a series of free “brown bag” educational lectures at the Douglas County Juvenile Court.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Johnson's Distinguished Service Award
2000 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. F. A. Gossett, Dodge County District Judge (now a Federal Magistrate), 6th Judicial District, thanked for his outline on handling evidence originally written in 1981. The outline eventually grew into the Nebraska Evidence Handbook and is published by Nebraska Continuing Legal Education for distribution to lawyers and judges across the state.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Gossett's Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. Donald E. Rowlands, Lincoln County District Judge, 11th Judicial District, for his work with Latino and Hispanic communities in his district. He helps with a local Hispanic citizenship project, speaking to classes about the judicial branch of the American system of government and developing a booklet on the court system for distribution to citizenship students.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Rowlands' Distinguished Service Award
1999 Distinguished Judges
Distinguished Judge for Improvement of the Judicial System:
Hon. Robert O. Hippe, Scotts Bluff County District Judge (now retired), 12th Judicial District, recognized for serving as editor of the Nebraska Bench Book, for developing a divorce education project for parents, and for community volunteer work.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Hippe's Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community:
Hon. James M. Murphy, Ret. retired from Douglas County District Court prior to receiving the award, 4th Judicial District, honored for his effort to establish the Douglas County Drug Court, which began in April 1997, and was the first of its kind in Nebraska.
Nebraska Judicial News link for Judge Murphy's Distinguished Service Award
This file last modified Tuesday October 25, 2011 09:34:48