Libby Pollard Hines

Libby Pollard Hines

The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan
2019 Honoree
Jean Ledwith King Award

Libby Hines is a long-time advocate for women, children, and those most vulnerable.

Our recipient this year is the Honorable Elizabeth (Libby) Pollard Hines – our second honoree in our second year of this Award.

Currently serving as Chief Judge in the City of Ann Arbor, she presides over a criminal docket, including the nationally-recognized and awarded, specialized domestic violence court. Libby established this court, and in 2012, the American Judges Association named an award in her honor to recognize one judge every year in the US or Canada for “significant contributions for an effective judicial response to domestic violence.”

In addition to launching the domestic violence court, Judge Hines helped establish the Street Outreach Court, to serve people experiencing homelessness. In the early years, she often held court outdoors of City Hall, so those who were uncomfortable in a courtroom could still have their day in court.

After graduation from the University of Michigan Law School, Libby served 15 years as a Prosecuting Attorney, and won election as Ann Arbor District Judge in 1992. She has spent her career making a difference in women’s lives and in the lives of those who are vulnerable or disenfranchised.

It is an honor, and a thrill, to be able to be the individual representing all of the Women’s Center staff, board members, interns, and volunteers presenting the Jean Ledwith King Award this evening to the Honorable Elizabeth Hines.

– Written by Maryanne George and Catherine McClary