Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Former Washington State Court Administrator Wins National Award for Improving Justice System

Williamsburg, VA (Sept. 17, 2004) – Mary Campbell McQueen, president of the National Center for State Courts, has been named the 2004 recipient of the American Judicature Society’s (AJS) Herbert Harley Award. The award, named after the AJS founder, is presented to individuals whose outstanding efforts and contributions result in substantial, long-term improvement to the justice system at the state level.

McQueen was named the National Center’s new president in April and assumed her duties in August. She is the former state court administrator of the Washington State Courts and was nominated for her work for the Washington State judicial branch. She will be presented the Harley Award in Spokane on September 20, 2004 during the 47^th Washington Judicial Conference.

“She has been the driving force, the tireless engine, and the continuity for every major advancement in our justice system for the last 16 years,” said Judge William Baker of the Washington Court of Appeals in his nomination of McQueen. In Washington State, McQueen is credited with advancements in judicial education, jury reform, and court efficiency – all areas in which the National Center serves as a leader to state courts.   

McQueen’s commitment to improving the justice system is far reaching: she has served as president of the Conference of State Court Administrators, chair of the American Bar Association/Judicial Administration Division of its Lawyers Committee, chair of the Court Management Council, and represented the judiciary on a federal commission sponsored by the CIA and FBI after Sept. 11.

The National Center, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a non-profit court reform organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. The National Center, founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, provides education, training, and technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts. The National Center also has offices in Arlington, Va. and Denver.

The American Judicature Society is a nonpartisan organization whose membership consists of judges, lawyers and others working to improve the justice system. AJS works to maintain the independence and integrity of the courts and increase public understanding of the justice system.

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Wendy K. Ferrell Judicial Communications Manager 360.705.5331 e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov

Lorrie Thompson Communications Officer 360.705.5347 Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov