The New London County Bar Association today presented Superior Court Judge Susan B. Handy with the 2008 Liberty Bell Award for upholding the rule of law amid the furor that erupted last year regarding the release of a sex offender.

“There are so many courageous decisions made by so many judges every day,” Judge Handy said. “I am not unique by any measure. I was simply doing the job I swore an oath to do.“

“Judge Handy exemplifies the type of judge we need on the bench,” Attorney Mary M. Puhlick, president of the New London County Bar Association, said. “In this particular case, she upheld the rule of law and then was criticized for her decision. Rather than criticize Judge Handy, the State of Connecticut should be grateful for a judge who protects the constitutional rights of all who appear before her.”

Judge Barbara M. Quinn, chief court administrator, thanked the New London County Bar Association “for its support of our judiciary.”

“This support has become increasingly important,” added Quinn, who made the keynote address today at the bar association’s Law Day luncheon honoring Judge Handy.

More information about the award and Law Day is available through a press release from the New London County Bar Association.

Judge Handy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1971. From 1971 through 1972, she taught at Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Mass. From 1972-1978, she taught English, speech and drama at New London High School.

Judge Handy received her juris doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1980. After graduating from law school, she joined the Mystic law firm of Conway, Londregan, Leuba, McNamara and Sussler. She remained in private practice until 1993, when she was nominated and confirmed as a judge of the Superior Court.

Judge Handy currently is assistant administrative judge in the New London Judicial District, where she also serves as presiding judge, criminal.