NEWS RELEASE

The National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue · Williamsburg, Virginia  23185

Contact:
Lorri Montgomery
Communications Manager
The National Center for State Courts
757.259.1525 or lmontgomery@ncsc.dni.us 

Hennepin County Chief Judge Named
William H. Rehnquist Award Recipient

Williamsburg, VA (Sept. 15, 2003) – District Court Chief Judge Kevin S. Burke has been named recipient of the 2003 William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence by the National Center for State Courts. One of the most prestigious judicial honors in the country, the Rehnquist Award is presented annually to a state court judge who exemplifies the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness, and professional ethics. Chief Justice of the United States William H. Rehnquist will present the award to Judge Burke at a ceremony Nov. 20 in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

“I don’t know of a more innovative trial judge in America, or one who has had a greater national impact,” said Roger K. Warren, president of the National Center. “Judge Burke has traveled extensively around the United States—and overseas—to share his successful approaches with other judges. Judge Burke is indefatigable in the pursuit of judicial reform.”

Warren said Burke stands out as a judicial leader not only for his numerous achievements but also for his innovative leadership style, which is credited with influencing significant advancements in the field of judicial administration. Among Judge Burke’s contributions during nearly 20 years on the bench: He was instrumental in establishing Minnesota’s public defender system; he worked effectively to improve judges’ courtroom communication which has bolstered the public’s confidence in, and understanding of, the courts; and he has led major accomplishments in the areas of legal aid, corrections, and helping those with chemical dependency.

Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Kathleen A. Blatz and Minnesota State Court Administrator Sue K. Dosal nominated Judge Burke. “We have encountered no judge who has made a bigger single impact on a state judicial system or has worked more tirelessly in other states and at the national level for the betterment of the administration of justice,” they wrote in the nomination paper.

Judge Burke is a past member of the National Center for State Courts’ Board of Directors and was awarded the 2002 Distinguished Service Award by the National Center for his unrelenting service to improvement of the justice system.

The National Center for State Courts is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. The National Center, founded in 1971 with the encouragement of Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, provides leadership, research, consulting, education, and training to the state courts. The National Center headquarters are in Williamsburg, Va.  Other offices are located in Arlington, Va., and Denver, Co.

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