Ronald M. George, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, received the John Marshall Award from the American Bar Association's (ABA) Justice Center at the ABA's recent annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given annually to a judge or lawyer for contributions to the improvement of the administration of justice. George was chosen in part for his role in securing state funding for legal aid programs. In October 2006, George endorsed a resolution passed by the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations calling for state supported free legal representation in matters affecting sustenance, shelter, safety, health, and child custody.