Sacramento - State Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) will receive the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award from the Judicial Council of California for her strong support of the California judicial branch of government. She is the first woman ever to be honored with the award. Evans will accept the award at a 4 p.m. ceremony Monday in San Francisco at the Ronald M. George State Office Complex.
“I am honored to receive this award and doubly honored that it came from my colleagues who have worked so hard to maintain a strong judiciary,” said Senator Evans, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and is one of two legislators who serve on the Judicial Council. Senator Evans is a 1981 graduate of the McGeorge School of Law and is Of Counsel to the Edgar Law Firm in Santa Rosa.
The award is named after the late Justice Stanley Mosk, who spent almost six decades in public service as California Attorney General, judge, and Supreme Court justice and was well-known for his unwavering support of individual liberties.
In announcing the award, the Judicial Council’s media release stated:
Senator Evans was chosen as the award recipient for her strength in supporting the needs of the judicial branch and her commitment in ensuring that the importance of the judiciary in a civil society is understood. During Senator Evans’ six years in the California Assembly and now as a member of the Senate she has played a leadership role in the administration of justice and has consistently worked to improve access to justice for all Californians.
Senator Evans has been unwavering in her desire to convey the impact of legislation and budget reductions on the ability of state courts to meet their constitutional and statutory obligations and serve Californians. With her insight and acumen, she has stood firm in protecting the courts from having to take on new responsibilities at the same time the courts are being asked to take unprecedented budget reductions and do more with considerably less…
The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The Administrative Office of the Courts carries out the official actions of the council and ensures leadership and excellence in court administration.
State Senator Noreen Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the Counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma. Senator Evans Chairs the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Committee on Judiciary.