For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Christi Powers
State Bar of Wisconsin
(608) 250-6025 |
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State Bar's Gavel Awards competition opens
MADISON, February 18, 2002 - The Media-Law Relations
Committee of the State Bar is calling on news outlets statewide to enter
the Wisconsin Gavel Awards competition. The competition, established by
Wisconsin lawyers in 1985, recognizes outstanding public service by
newspapers, television, radio and other media. Entry forms will be
mailed to news outlets this week and are also available at
www.wisbar.org/newscenter. Deadline for entry is March 29, 2002.
Two types of awards are given - The Golden Gavel and the Certificate
of Commendation. Golden Gavels are presented for outstanding
contributions to public understanding of the law and justice system.
Certificates of Commendation are presented for entries judged to be
noteworthy examples of the same. Awards will be presented on May 15,
2002 in conjunction with the State Bar's Annual Convention in Madison.
Winners will be notified by May 1.
The Wisconsin Gavel Awards competition accords statewide recognition to
published newspaper articles, radio and television broadcasts, magazine
and Internet articles that meet one or more of the following
objectives:
1. Foster greater public understanding of the inherent values of our
legal system;
2. Inform and educate citizens as to roles of society and the law, the
courts, law enforcement agencies, and the legal profession;
3. Disclose practices or procedures needing correction or improvement so
as to encourage and promote efforts to improve and modernize our laws,
courts or law agencies statewide.
The Judging Committee is composed of lawyers, judges, and educators. The
number of awards made is within the discretion of the committee. By
granting an award, the State Bar does not necessarily endorse the
position taken by the entrant.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association,
created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law
license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids
the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin
lawyers in educating the public about the legal system.
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