The Florida Supreme Court’s Justice Barbara J. Pariente has been given the Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award in recognition of her work to uphold the integrity and independence of the state courts. Justice Pariente has spent years advocating for a fair and accountable court system that can enforce the rule of law independent from partisan influence. The awards committee specifically recognized her work as an active and vocal educator about the importance of judicial independence.
The award is given from time to time by the American College of Trial Lawyers when a judge in the United States shows a sustained independence from partisan and other pressures in performing the duties of the judicial office. It is not given every year. Trustee Eugene K. Pettis, a former Florida Bar President, introduced Pariente for the award.
Congratulations on behalf of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit!
