Judicial “Model of Justice” Award Presented to Xenia Municipal Court Judge Murry

“Model of Justice” Judicial Award

 Xenia Municipal Court Judge Michael K. Murry recently received the 2018 “Model of Justice” Judicial Award from the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center in a special presentation in Columbus, Ohio. Judge Murry’s Award was one of several awards presented, including Advocate Award, Special Courage Award, Prosecutorial Award, Attorney Advocate, Law Enforcement and Leadership to Inspire Award. Murry and the other award winners were recognized for their significant contributions in protecting, preserving, and advancing the rights of crime victims.

Wendy Ricks-Hoff, Director of the Victim Assistance Program for the City of Xenia nominated

Judge Murry.

 In her nominating submission, Ricks- Hoff stated, “the Honorable Michael K. Murry, who took the bench of the Xenia Municipal Court on January 2, 2008, has been a model of justice for all. Judge Murry had one mission when he was elected, to run an exemplary court and treat any person before the court with dignity and respect. This was not just a promise reserved for persons charged with an offense, but for anyone, including crime victims.”

 Ricks-Hoff continued, “the Victim Assistance Program through the Xenia City Law Department has been a daily presence in the courtroom because of the efforts of Judge Murry in ensuring all victims of crime have a voice and have access to their rights.  Judge Murry ensures that an advocate is present at every arraignment, every in-chambers conference, trial, disposition and sentencing, and provides advocates with notice of probation terminations so that we may keep victims of crime informed about all stages of the process. Judge Murry may see a case in which an advocate is generally not involved, and is known to call the Victim Assistance Program from the bench to find out if there is victim input before proceeding. Judge Murry believes that crime victims’ input is vitally important and that crime victims’ rights are an integral part of the process.  Judge Murry is careful to ensure that both defendants and victims of crime are treated with dignity and respect, and views this position as imperative in maintaining fairness and protection of the rights of all. Crime victims in the Xenia Municipal Court are heard and validated.  Judge Murry goes the extra mile to try to understand the experiences of crime victims, and the traumatic effects that can result from those experiences and truly cares about making ethical, compassionate and legally sound decisions, and in his ability to affect change. It is a pleasure to advocate for victims of crime before a Judge that 100% believes that crime victims’ rights are important and meaningful.”

Judge Murry stated, “I am pleased and honored to have received this award from the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center. I am further honored to have been nominated by Wendy Ricks-Hoff, who in addition to all the other Xenia Municipal Court employees, works tirelessly within our system, and lives by a standard of respect for others every day. It has always been my intent to respect anyone and everyone who appears in my courtroom. Receiving this award is truly an honor for me, but it’s more a reminder and testament to how I would hope all courtrooms would operate at all times.”