Metropolitan News-Enterprise

 

Thursday, February 20, 2003

 

Page 2

 

Alameda Judge Recognized for Distinguished Service by National Center for State Courts

 

By a MetNews Staff Writer

 

Recently retired Alameda Superior Court Judge Judith D. Ford has been named to receive the National Center for State Courts’ 2003 Distinguished Service Award.

In citing Ford for her work in improving the administration of justice, the center noted that the judge was a leader in improving the courts’ use of technology and chaired the Court Technology Advisory Committee in 1998.

While leading the panel, Ford helped develop standards for privacy and access to electronic court information and pushed for improved case management systems. She also spearheaded a Tactical Plan for Court Technology to ensure effective management of technology resources in the state’s court system.

After leaving the state panel, Ford served as a member of the national Joint Technology Committee and helped develop a Business Process Enhancements Guide and Manual for Courts.

“As a leader in this country’s court system, Judge Ford has built a reputation as someone who cares deeply about improving the justice system and supporting the mission of the National Center as the preeminent national court reform organization, said Roger K. Warren, NCSC president.

Ford was appointed to the Oakland-Piedmont-Emeryville Municipal Courts by Gov. Jerry Brown in 1982. She became a superior court judge on unification in 1998.

The National Center for State Courts, based in Williamsburg, Va., was founded in 1971 by U.S. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger to improve the administration of justice through research, education, consulting and information services.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George is the organization’s chair. 

 

Copyright 2003, Metropolitan News Company