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| By TYLER WARD, Thomas Jefferson |
During Fall Semester, United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to San Diego to honor San Diego-born Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge J. Clifford Wallace with the American Judicature Society's 24th Annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service Award. All three of San Diego's J. Reuben Clark Law Society chapters (Thomas Jefferson, Cal-Western, and University of San Diego) were invited to attend. The event was open to all attorneys in the area, and many state and federal judges were in attendance as well. The Devitt Award was named after the late Judge Edward J. Devitt, and the award honors judges of national stature who have made significant contributions to the administration of justice, the advancement of the rule of law, and the improvement of society as a whole. The Devitt award is highest honor given to a U.S. federal judge for lifetime service to the judiciary. Judge Wallace was chosen for the award by a distinguished panel consisting of Justice Kennedy, Chief Judge John M. Walker, Jr. of the Second Circuit, and Chief Judge Barbara Brandriff Crabb of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. Justice Kennedy presented the award and Elder Oaks was one of three speakers on the program.
It was very exciting to hear Elder Oaks, Justice Kennedy, and Judge Wallace speak in such a close setting. Elder Oaks spoke about Judge Wallace's commitment to the community and his improvements to society as a whole. He also spoke how Judge Wallace's religious convictions have shaped him as a judge and played a major part in his life. Judge Wallace is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Judge Wallace has been involved in promoting the concepts and ideals of an independent judiciary and impartial judicial system in more than 50 countries. Also, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia noted in his nomination letter of Judge Wallace: "He has been a major force in spreading the principles and the practices of American courts around the world; I daresay no figure in American Law has done so much." This event was a great opportunity for all who attended.
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