By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
An active and committed University alumnus, the Honorable Judge Johnny Hardwick (Class of 1973), is the new president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges. Hardwick serves as the presiding judge of Montgomery’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
Hardwick explained that Alabama’s circuit courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction and have original jurisdiction over all civil matters where the amount in controversy is $10,000 and above, as well as all criminal prosecutions involving felony offenses, including death penalty cases and family court matters.
“I am both humbled and appreciative of my fellow circuit court judges in Alabama whose confidence and support has enabled me to serve as the president of their association, which comprises 148 judges who sit on the bench within 41 circuits of jurisdiction,” Hardwick said from his judicial chamber. “I previously served as the president-elect and secretary of the association and chaired a number of different committees.”
The Montgomery native said that among the many activities he has performed for the association, the most gratifying one for him involves helping students.
“Our scholarship committee has given me the greatest satisfaction because we help fund deserving students who have aspirations to attend law school and become practicing attorneys,” said Hardwick.
HUGE BAMA STATE SUPPORTER
Hardwick’s efforts to support the students at ASU were evident in May of this year when he helped to spearhead the “Golden Class” (50-year) reunion of his college graduating class. The Class of 1973 made a donation of more than $250,000 to their alma mater, the largest single donation by a Golden Class in recent years.
Hardwick, who graduated from the University with a degree in History, is a fervent Bama State sports fan and a huge proponent of the benefits of an Alabama State University education.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I am an attorney today, a member of the Bar Association for over 40 years, and now president of my profession’s association, all due to my education at The Alabama State University. I would be remiss if I did not also add that the mentorship that I was fortunate enough to receive from its professors and administrators was yet another benefit given to me, which gave me the confidence to take on the world,” said Hardwick, who has served as a circuit court judge since 2001. “I bleed black and gold. I love my ASU – my ‘O’ Mother Dear’ – and say loud and clear that the University laid the foundation of my successful professional life that allowed me to enter and graduate from law school, have a good legal career and be the presiding judge of all of Montgomery’s circuit court judges. I tell all young people to also go to Bama State like I did and change their lives for the better.”
All rights reserved, Gumptown Magazine, LLC. Copyright 2023.
