Texas Border Business
By LAURA FÉLIX
The Laredo-Webb County Bar Association recently honored Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo – whose Senate District 21 includes all of Starr County – with the 2022 Liberty Bell Award at a luncheon in their hometown.
Bestowed upon the non-lawyer with the greatest impact on the law, the Liberty Bell honors persons or organizations who promote better understanding of the rule of law, encourage greater respect for law and the courts, stimulate a sense of civic responsibility or contribute to good government in the community.
“We often give an award to honor the recipient. Today the recipient honors the award,” Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht said. “The Liberty Bell Award’s prestige is enhanced in being given to Senator Judith Zaffirini.”
Witnessing cronyism and corruption in Laredo courts many years ago motivated Zaffirini to partner with local attorneys and judges to pass legislation requiring the rotation of appointments; the reporting of court-approved payments; and the definition of new standards of accountability, transparency and excellence.
“Rather than be discouraged, we responded to a negative local situation by developing solutions,” Zaffirini said. “Not only do these laws make a positive statewide impact, but they now comprise models for other states.”
Her additional judicial successes include eliminating unconstitutional debtors’ prisons by providing judges with alternatives to incarceration; simplifying court fees for criminal and civil cases and promoting equal access to the legal system; and establishing the Guardianship Abuse, Fraud and Exploitation Deterrence Program.
In her acceptance speech she emphasized the importance of attorneys’ role in the legislative process.
“Lawyers are largely responsible for legislators’ best work,by drafting most of the bills we file; advising us whether to support, oppose or amend bills proposed by others; and helping us understand the impact of statutes we’ve created, hope to create or need to improve,” she said.
Zaffirini has received more than 1,100 awards in her career, including the State Bar of Texas Judicial Sections “Friend of the Judiciary” award.
She also is the first Mexican American woman elected as a Texas state senator.
