Works focused on gender violence, racial justice, police accountability, civics and guardianship were among the finalists for the American Bar Association 2022 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts, The awards recognize outstanding work that fosters the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system and are the ABA’s highest honor in recognition of this purpose.
March 21, 2022 Top Legal News of the Week
ABA names 29 finalists for 65th Annual Silver Gavel Awards
“We are so pleased to announce these impressive finalists in all nine award categories,” said Sharon Stern Gerstman, chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Gavel Awards. “Thank you to the Gavel Awards Screening Committee for their selections, and congratulations to all of the finalists for their excellent work.”
The winners will be announced on May 18. No more than one Silver Gavel is presented in each category. Honorable Mentions are also recognized, but awards are not presented in every category every year.
The ABA has presented these awards annually since 1958. The 18-member ABA Standing Committee on Gavel Awards makes the final award decisions. ABA President Reginald Turner will present Silver Gavels and Honorable Mentions on July 12 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alan C. Miller, founder and CEO of the News Literacy Project, will be the keynote speaker.
The ABA Gavel Awards Screening Committee is comprised of 50 professionals with a wide range of legal and media expertise, including lawyer-members of the ABA. The committee selected the 29 finalists from 176 entries received in all eligible categories, which include books, commentaries, documentaries, drama and literature, magazines, multimedia, newspapers, radio and television.
Selection criteria include how the entry addresses the Silver Gavel Awards’ purpose and objectives; educational value of legal information; impact on, or outreach to, the public; thoroughness and accuracy in presentation of issues; creativity and originality in approach to subject matter and effectiveness of presentation; and demonstrated technical skill in the entry’s production.
“We are excited to be returning to the National Press Club for our presentation program,” said Gerstman. “The enthusiasm of the live ceremony and the spirit of the awardees inspire all who attend.”
Related links:
- Silver Gavel Awards selection criteria and entry requirements
- ABA Journal: 2021 coverage of Silver Gavel Awards