For his dedication to bringing fairness and balance to California's civil justice system, the Civil Justice Association of California has honored Senator John Benoit with its Civil Justice Leadership Award.
During this past legislative session, Benoit authored several bills that would improve California's legal climate and help businesses, consumers, and taxpayers.
For example, Senate Bill 39 was written in response to a California Supreme Court decision that stripped traditional liability protections from non-medical "Good Samaritans" and such volunteers providing non-medical help. The bill, which went into effect immediately, extends liability protections to any person providing help in good faith at the scene of an emergency.
Kim Stone, CJAC's vice president-legislation, said in a news release at the time: "Senator Benoit's constituents and all Californians are lucky to have him working in Sacramento to support the interests of consumers, businesses, and Good Samaritans, and to ease the burdens on our courts."
On November 4, Benoit was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to fill the 4th District Riverside County Supervisor seat. He will be sworn into that position on December 1.
Click here to learn more about the award and its previous recipients.