California Judicial Council names three distinguished service award recipients for 2024

The Judicial Council of California presented its Distinguished Service Award to three veteran members of the judiciary.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announced the recipients at the Council's regular meeting in San Francisco on Nov. 15.

"This year's recipients demonstrate what it means to be a public servant," Guerrero said in a statement, highlighting their collective impact on California's judicial system.

This year's honorees are Justice William W. Bedsworth of the 4th District Court of Appeal, retired Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Terry B. Friedman, and Shasta County Court Executive Officer Melissa Fowler-Bradley.

Bedsworth, the longest-serving justice on Division Three of the 4th District, was honored for an indelible mark he has left on California law ove a 38-year career. His groundbreaking 2000 opinion in People v. Garcia was instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, leading to legislative changes prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation during jury selection. People v. Garcia, 77 Cal.App.4th 1269, (Cal. Ct. App. 2000)

Beyond his judicial duties, Bedsworth has become widely known for his syndicated column "A Criminal Waste of Space," and his commitment to promoting civility within the legal profession.

Friedman was honored for his tireless advocacy for children and families in the court system. During his tenure on the Los Angeles County Superior Court from 1995 to 2010, Friedman played a pivotal role on the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care. His commitment to equal access to justice extended beyond the bench, including leadership of the Shriver Civil Counsel Act Implementation Committee, which provides legal representation to low-income Californians.

Melissa Fowler-Bradley, who worked for 47 years in the judicial branch, spearheaded many technological innovations, including e-search warrants and digital court records. The Council said her influence extends statewide through her service on multiple statewide committees focused on improvements to court facilities and operations.

The Distinguished Service Award represents the California judicial branch's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the administration of justice in the state.