Judge Johnson to be honored by Oregon Bar Association
By Terry Murry on Friday, August 27th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MISSION – The Oregon Bar Association is bestowing the President’s Special Award of Appreciation on Umatilla Tribal Judge William Johnson this fall. Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Interim Deputy Executive Director Matthew Johnson is proud.
“He’s been a strong advocate for tribal courts and a great judge for us,” Matthew Johnson said. “I might be a little biased in that.”
Judge William Johnson is Matthew Johnson’s father.
The bar association is lauding the judge for his decades-long battle to get state courts to recognize tribal court orders, judgements, and decrees. Matthew Johnson said that means protective orders are now recognized.
“That often includes a lot of women and children who are in really vulnerable situations,” Matt Johnson said. “We are really glad to see the Oregon Legislature passed that bill into law.
Senate Bill 183 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022.
Photo via fedbar.org
