The Henry J. Friendly Medal is an award given periodically by the American Law Institute (ALI) in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of law. [1] [2] It is named in honor of Judge Henry Friendly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. [3] [4] The medal is conferred to an individual for their contributions "in the tradition of Judge Friendly." [5]
The award is reserved to some of the most influential modern jurists, including Judge Merrick Garland, and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and John Roberts. [6] It is the most prestigious award given by the ALI. [7]
The Friendly Medal was established by Judge Friendly's former law clerks after his death. [8] Friendly had been a member of the American Law Institute's council. [9] The medal initially featured a likeness of Friendly smiling, but was changed as the judge rarely smiled. [10] It is given by the American Law Institute Awards Committee. [8]
The medal is only awarded as appropriate and not on an annual basis. [11] The award has been described as "prestigious" and "reserved for recipients who are considered especially worthy of receiving it." [12] It is one of the highest honors given by the ALI, [13] and is not limited to the organization's members. [14] In 1992, Judge Michael Boudin of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit was the chair of the awarding committee. [15] After it was established, Edward Weinfeld, a close friend of Judge Friendly, traveled in person to be the first to receive the award before dying a day later. [16]