Introduction to Judge Elizabeth “Ellie” Finn
Elizabeth “Ellie” Finn, a respected Arizona judge, passed away on December 27 at the age of 77. With an impressive judicial career spanning over 42 years, Judge Finn was well-known for her advocacy for domestic violence victims and her role in the establishment of specialized courts aimed at addressing mental health and domestic violence issues. Her contributions to the judicial system have left a lasting impact, particularly in the Glendale area, where she served for many years.
Legacy of Advocacy and Legal Reform
During her distinguished career, Judge Finn was an instrumental figure in advancing domestic violence laws in Arizona. Her efforts were widely recognized, and she was featured in the ABA Journal’s “Members Who Inspire” series in September, where her work in creating the Glendale Mental Health Court was highlighted. This initiative focused on providing tailored legal support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, reflecting Finn’s belief in the importance of understanding the nuances of cases that come before the court.
Role as Presiding Judge
For 18 years, Judge Finn held the position of presiding judge of the Glendale Municipal Court. In this role, she emphasized the significance of transparency in the judicial process. She shared insights on her approach, stating, “When I was appointed, the Mayor and City Council stated that they did not actually know what would happen in court. I realized that an important aspect of my position is being a communicator who is transparent and conveys that there are no surprises.” This commitment to clarity underscored her dedication to fostering trust and understanding between the courts and the community.
Involvement with the American Bar Association
Beyond her judicial duties, Judge Finn was an active participant in the American Bar Association (ABA). Joining the organization in 2005, she became a member of the House of Delegates and served on the Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Committee. Her leadership was further exemplified by her presidency of the National Conference of Professional Court Judges and her involvement with its executive committee. Finn’s advocacy work bore testimony to her passion for the legal field, focusing on educating fellow judges and lawyers about domestic violence and promoting policies aimed at protecting survivors.
Personal Life and Final Years
While dedicating her professional life to public service, Judge Finn also cherished her personal life. She is survived by her husband, Edward Turner, along with her children, Sarah and Jesse Turner. An avid traveler, Judge Finn particularly enjoyed boating trips to Southern California with her husband. Her recreational pursuits included a love for reading mystery and romance novels, dancing, and making memories with friends and family. Her obituary reflects her vibrant personality and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her.
Memorial and Legacy
A memorial service for Judge Finn is scheduled to be held at the Glendale Civic Center on January 12 at 1 PM, followed by a reception for attendees. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to New Leaf, an Arizona nonprofit that supports homeless and domestic violence survivors. This request is emblematic of Finn’s lifelong commitment to helping vulnerable populations, extending even beyond her passing to contribute to the welfare of others.
Conclusion
Judge Elizabeth “Ellie” Finn’s influence extends far beyond her years on the bench. As a pioneer in specialized courts and a staunch advocate for victims of domestic violence, her remarkable career exemplifies the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have within their community. Her legacy of compassion, legal reform, and community engagement will resonate within the Arizona judicial system and the lives of those she touched for years to come.
FAQs
What was Judge Finn’s contribution to domestic violence legislation in Arizona?
Judge Finn played a critical role in enacting domestic violence laws in Arizona, advocating for legal reforms to better support victims and survivors in the judicial process.
What specialized court did Judge Finn establish in Glendale?
She established the Glendale Mental Health Court, designed to offer tailored legal proceedings for individuals facing mental health challenges.
What activities did Judge Finn enjoy outside of her judicial work?
In her personal life, Judge Finn loved traveling, particularly boating trips, reading mystery and romance novels, dancing, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
How can individuals honor Judge Finn’s memory?
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to New Leaf, an organization that helps homeless and domestic violence survivors in Arizona.
When was the memorial service held for Judge Finn?
The memorial service was scheduled for January 12 at the Glendale Civic Center at 1 PM.