AJA American Gavel Awards

Judge Richard B. Halloran attended the University of Detroit School of Law. He obtained his juris doctorate from the university while also working in the school’s clinical program. Before attending law school, Judge Richard Halloran studied psychology, philosophy, and religion at Canisius College. Upon graduation, he began his long and diverse legal career, including four elections to the Third Circuit Court of Detroit. Judge Richard Halloran is a member of the American Judges Association.

The history of the American Judges Association (AJA) can be traced back more than 50 years. Today, AJA has more than 3,000 members all over the world, including representatives from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Guam. This year the AJA will celebrate its fourth annual ceremony for the American Gavel Awards. Created in 2009, the ceremony hands out a number of awards to distinguished and accomplished members of the AJA.

The American Gavel Award for Distinguished Reporting about the Judiciary recognizes exceptional work in the field of judiciary journalism, highlighted by a high standard of reporting ethics and a dedication to educating the general public on matters of the legal system. Additional awards handed out by the AJA include the Chief Justice Richard W. Holmes Award of Merit and the Judge William H. Burnett Award, as well as the Judge Bob Jones Memorial Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions to judicial education.

Domestic Violence: How to Help a Woman in Need by Judge Richard Halloran

Every year in the United States, more than three million women are victims of domestic abuse. It can be difficult to approach a friend who you suspect is being physically or emotionally abused by her husband or partner, but it is an important step to take if you want to help this person. Whether a woman is a relative, a close friend, or just someone you casually know, you can find a way to approach her to offer help if you see the warning signs of domestic violence.

First, research local women’s shelters, social services, and counseling services in your area to find out about the level of assistance that is available. Talk and listen to your friend and encourage her to talk about her feelings. Give her the information she needs about where she can go for support and legal assistance. If she has been physically assaulted, go with her to be examined by a doctor and encourage her to contact the police to report the assault.

Above all, help your friend make a safe decision about whether to immediately leave her abusive husband or partner. If you suspect that leaving may put her in further jeopardy, do not encourage that. Instead, encourage her to talk to a counselor and a legal professional.

About the Author: Judge Richard B. Halloran actively supported the establishment of the 1994 laws for Personal Protection Orders (PPO) in Michigan. Between 1993 and 2000, Judge Halloran served as co-chair of the Wayne County Coordinating Council to Prevent Domestic Violence.

Recent Advocacy from the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan Presented by Judge Richard Halloran

The State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section offers a variety of resources to attorneys practicing family law in Michigan, including access to a LISTSERV, a journal subscription, mentor roundtables, and a members-only collaborative online resource. The section also stays active in legal advocacy. During the 2011 to 2012 legislative session, it took positions on 39 bills, including the Child Custody Act , The Parental Rights Restoration Act, and the Eligible Domestic Relations Order Act.

The section also took positions on bills relating to paternity, adoption, marriage license requirements, and required premarital education. Its position papers for each law can be viewed online at http://www.michbar.org/family/advocacy.cfm.

About Judge Richard Halloran:

A Wayne County Circuit Court Judge, and former administrative law judge, magistrate, attorney, and District Court Judge, Richard B. Halloran is a longtime member of the State Bar of Michigan. He has also served for several years on the Council of the Bar’s Family Law Section.

“The Rosedale Park Improvement Association,” by Judge Richard Halloran

The Rosedale Park Improvement Association (RPIA) is a membership-driven neighborhood organization on the northwest side of Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1929, the Rosedale Park community has long been one of the more desired residential neighborhoods in Detroit for its beautiful homes, greenspaces, and civic activities and events. Representing over 1,600 households, the Rosedale Park board of directors arranges for community services, including trash collection, recycling collection, snow removal, and a neighborhood security network. In addition, RPIA organizes many social activities throughout the year, including a farmers’ market, block parties, Christmas light shows, an annual Easter egg hunt, a community picnic, and more. RPIA releases a community newsletter seven times a year entitled The Rosedale Park News, and the community slogan is “Small Town Living in a Big City.”

About Judge Halloran
Third Circuit Court Judge Richard Halloran has been a resident of Rosedale Park since 1976 and has worked with his neighbors to develop the community in positive, progressive ways. As a family division judge and elected official for Wayne County, Judge Richard B. Halloran hears cases of divorce, child custody, alimony, and personal protection orders each day from the bench, and this emboldens him to make Rosedale Park a better place for generations to come. Over the years Judge Halloran has served in various capacities wih RPIA.