Courthouse Named for Pioneering Judges

The Montgomery County, Alabama Courthouse will soon bear a new name that honors two local judges.

The county commission has approved the courthouse being renamed the Montgomery County Courthouse, Phelps-Price Justice Center. It will honor the late Joseph Phelps and the current presiding judge, Charles Price.

An official dedication ceremony will be held at a later date, but the name was officially acknowledged this week because outgoing County Commission Chairman Todd Strange said it was something he felt strongly about.

Phelps, a judge for 18 years, is credited with having been instrumental in reforming Alabama’s justice system. The Alabama State Bar recognized him for his work in 1990 when it gave him its Judicial Award of Merit.

The county wanted to honor Price for creating numerous creative programs that are “designed to improve the administration of justice,” according to a resolution passed Monday. Those programs include drug court, mental health court and a progressive restorative justice program.

Price has been given the Raymond Pace Alexander Award for Lifetime Contributions to Judicial Advocacy, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090327/NEWS/90327070