North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Mary Maring and Northeast Central District Judge Debbie Kleven recently traveled to Bemidji, Minn., to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Association of Women Judges' Color of Justice program.
The Sept. 14 program at the Beltrami County Courthouse hosted 25 students from the Cass Lake-Bena School District who had a chance to participate in a mock trial that was organized by Judge Kleven.
The students also heard women judges from across the United States - and Native American lawyers, law students and judges - speak about opportunities in the field of law.
The Color of Justice program was created by Missouri Circuit Judge Brenda Loftin to encourage women and minority students to pursue legal careers. The Bemidji program was organized by Judge Renee Worke of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Judge Margaret Treuer, Chief Judge of the Bois Forte Tribal Court, received a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Women Judges at the event. Judge Treuer, who was the first Native American woman lawyer in Minnesota, received the award for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of equality and justice.
October 3, 2012