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Friends, family, and members of the legal community gathered late Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Second Judicial District Court to dedicate Courtroom 302 as the Charles W. Daniels Memorial Courtroom, in honor of the late New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels.
The ceremony celebrated Justice Daniels’ life and legacy, with speakers who included Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge Marie C. Ward, Randi McGinn, Janette Daniels Gurley (Justice Charles W. Daniels' daughter), Joseph Goldberg, and District Judge William Parnall.
“The naming of a courtroom in honor of my dear colleague, Justice Charlie Daniels, is really appropriate," said New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon. "Justice Daniels’ first love in the law was the courtroom and ensuring that there was equity under the law. My hope is that all who come before the court in the Justice Charles W. Daniels courtroom remember that equity under the law is paramount.”
Justice Daniels retired from the Supreme Court at the end of 2018, after serving 11 years on the state’s highest court and two terms as Chief Justice. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2007, after a 38-year career as a lawyer with a courtroom practice in criminal and civil cases. He was Chief Justice in 2010-2012 and 2016-2017. In 2019, retired Justice Daniels was honored by the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies for his leadership in pretrial justice.
Chief Judge Ward of the Second Judicial District Court applauded Justice Daniels for his contributions to the legal community and emphasized his crucial role in ensuring equal access to justice for all New Mexicans.
“Justice Daniels was truly a remarkable human being,” said Chief Judge Ward. “He was someone who reflected the very best of our judicial system.”
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