Established by the American Bar Association and the Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities in 1992, the Thurgood Marshall Award honors U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who epitomized individual commitment, in word and action, to the cause of civil rights in this country. The award recognizes similar long-term contribu¬tions by other members of the legal profession to the advancement of civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights in the United States.

This year's award will be presented to former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, in recognition of her outstanding career as a public servant devoted to civil rights, transparency in government, and reform of the justice system. Judge Abner Mikva, the 2005 award winner, will deliver the keynote address. More information is available on the 2009 Thurgood Marshall Award Dinner page.

The award will be presented at the 2009 Thurgood Marshall Award Dinner on Saturday, August 1, during the ABA’s 2009 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.