Court of Appeals Chief Judge Everett Inbody of the Fifth Appellate Judicial District was awarded the Distinguished Judge  for Service to the Judiciary Award on Thursday, October 21, 2010, during the Nebraska Supreme Court’s annual judicial  dinner. The award, presented by Chief Justice Mike Heavican, is the highest honor given by the Nebraska Supreme Court  recognizing members of the judiciary for meritorious projects and exemplary accomplishments that enhance the vision of  justice within Nebraska communities.

This year marks Judge Inbody’s 24th year of service on the bench, 5 years in the county/juvenile court, 5 years on the  district court bench and the remainder with the Court of Appeals.   Inbody is presently serving as chief judge of the Court  of Appeals, a position he has held since 2004.

In 2005 Judge Inbody was appointed co-chairman of the Commission of Children in the Courts where he utilized his  experience in juvenile and criminal court to study appropriate steps for the judicial system to undertake to insure that the  court system’s responsiveness to children.  As a result of his commission work, Judge Inbody implemented the Court of  Appeals 'rocket docket' for abuse/neglect cases to move cases of children through the system at a more rapid pace.

Following implementation of the children’s docket, Judge Inbody, with the support of his fellow judges, began  implementation of a new system of advance case screening for the Court of Appeals. His court now reviews all cases in  advance and disposes of certain cases without oral argument. The Court continues their thorough review of all cases filed,  but has expanded its practice of issuing court opinions without oral argument resulting in faster resolution for individuals  in court proceedings.  

Judge Inbody was also recognized for his participation in several community activities including Jaycees, Nebraska Mock  Trials, Law Day programs, and, most notably, the co-founder of the Wahoops Basketball program and tournament.  

In presenting the award, the Chief Justice remarked that at the time of the establishment of “Wahoops,” Judge Inbody’s philosophy was, as it is now, that he should give back to the community that has given so much to him.  Chief Heavican  continued, “Indeed, the legal community is lucky to have a judge who contributes his talents in so many ways.”

In accepting his award, Judge Inbody said, “Notification of my nomination for this award was a humbling experience.   Having served as a county court judge and district court judge, I know that there are many dedicated and innovative trial  and appellate court judges throughout the State that are very deserving of consideration for this award.  Now, to actually  be selected is a real honor and I am very appreciative.”

Contact:
Everett O. Inbody, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals
112 East 7th Street, Wahoo, NE  68066
402.443.5180