Recognition for outstanding service to Utah's judiciary in 1989 has been awarded to two judges, an administrator, a clerk and a Salt Lake citizen.
Juvenile Court Judge Paul C. Keller has received the "Distinguished Jurist Award." The award is given to the judge who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the highest principles of the judiciary. Keller serves in the 7th Judicial District, including the counties of Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan. He has served on the bench since 1962 and is acknowledged as one of the state's foremost authorities on juvenile law and justice. He has been a key figure in the development of the Juvenile Court, playing a significant role in bringing about its present recognition nationally as a model system.The Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) Award was developed in the early 1970s to honor an individual, other than a judge, who has made significant contributions to Utah's judicial system. The 1989 award was presented to Salt Lake citizen Harriet L. Marcus. Marcus' concern with the courts began almost thirty years ago when she became a member of the Juvenile Court's Advisory Committee. Over the years, Marcus has played a vital role with projects dealing with provisions of youth services, prevention of child abuse, development of mental health services and improvements to the criminal justice system.
Judge Geraldine Christensen, a justice court judge, was honored with the first "Quality of Justice" award. This new award will honor justice court judges and court commissioners. Since 1966, Christensen has served as a justice court judge in Salt Lake City and West Jordan. When the Judicial Council was formed in 1973, Christensen was a charter member, serving from 1973 through 1978. She has also been president of the Utah Justice of the Peace Association.
An award for excellence in judicial administration was presented to Ronald W. Gibson, Deputy State Court Administrator. Gibson began his service with the courts in 1966 in Third District Court. When the State Administrative Office of the Courts was established in 1973, Gibson was named deputy state court administrator. Several years later he completed the Executive Development Program of the National Institute for Court Management and graduated from that program as a Fellow of the Institute. Utah Chief Supreme Court Justice Gordon R. Hall credited Gibson as being the "driving force" behind many dramatic court improvements.
Eileen P. Jemison, chief deputy clerk in the Provo's 4th Circuit Court, was the 1989 recipient of the "Meritorious Service Award" for her outstanding contributions to Utah's courts. Jemison has served in the Provo Court since 1978, developing expertise in virtually every aspect of court work. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing numerous policies and procedures resulting in significant time and cost savings.