“I hope you seek a world where our constitutional rights to freedom of speech, press, and litigation are protected. I hope you are committed to a world free from discrimination, a world free from poverty, and a world filled with justice and peace. Learning to live in a diverse society free from bias and prejudice might be the biggest challenge we face in this century.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“Most of us began law school or entered the practice of law picturing ourselves as Atticus Finch, the fictional lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, whose representation of an unpopular criminal defendant required him to take a fresh look at legal services and at society. We saw ourselves, like Atticus, advocating for or in some way assisting people regardless of race, religion, financial status, unpopularity of the cause, or financial consequences to ourselves. . . . Let us reawaken the spirit of Atticus Finch in each of us. Let each of us take a fresh look at the justice system. And let all of us recommit ourselves to the ideal of making access to justice a reality for all.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“To ensure a truly just legal system, one that reflects the history and hopes of this state, there must be greater public participation in the justice system.” – Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“The future of the justice system depends largely on the public’s continued confidence in the courts. When the courts truly serve the community, public trust in the justice system will grow.” -Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“The public needs lawyers who love the law and are committed to the idea that the profession serves the needs of the public to whom we are responsible. We have to work for a world free of crime, free of drugs, free of poverty, and free of bigotry—a world of justice and peace. One person can make a difference. And when the roll is called I hope that person will be you. I urge that you work toward leaving a better world to your children than the world we pass on to you.” – Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“The jury has changed through the years and will continue to change. But the determination of guilt or innocence of men is too important to be trusted to trained men. For those very important issues, the jury uses 12 strangers off the street, just as the founder of Christianity did many years ago.” – Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson
“I vowed nine years ago not to get used to justice only from the perspective of the court. The view from the jury box could perhaps be the best view of all.” -Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson