The William H. Rehnquist Award
for Judicial Excellence

About The Award

The William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence is one of our nation’s highest judicial honors. Presented annually by the National Center for State Courts, this prestigious award honors a state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage, and decisiveness. The William H. Rehnquist Award honors judges who are taking bold steps to address a variety of issues affecting their communities.   

In the fall of each year, the judge receiving this distinguished honor is recognized during an award ceremony held at the U.S. Supreme Court. The award highlights the judge’s work to provide model programs for court systems throughout the United States.