HARRISBURG (June 21, 2006) � The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) recently presented its inaugural John Marshall Award to U.S. Middle District Judge John E. Jones III of Pottsville.

�Judge Jones adheres to the ideals of judicial independence and contributes to the continuing integrity of the American judicial system,� said William P. Carlucci, 2005-06 PBA president. �The PBA is proud to name Judge Jones the recipient of its first John Marshall Award, created to honor the legacy of the longest-serving chief justice of the United States whose impact on American constitutional law is peerless.�

The work and writings of Chief Justice John Marshall led America to embrace the principles of judicial review, separation of powers and an independent judiciary. The PBA established its John Marshall Award to recognize jurists who personify these ideals.

Earlier this year, Jones ruled in the case of Tammy Kitzmiller, et al. v. Dover Area School District, et. al, which was known nationwide as Pennsylvania�s �intelligent design� case. Judge Jones has been a passionate defender of judicial independence in today�s legal system.

The PBA presented the award to Jones during its annual meeting, June 7-9, in Hershey.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.