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News Release

Marion County Justice Of The Peace Receives Carson Award (Photo) - 01/30/26

SALEM, OR — Jan 30, 2026 — The Marion County Bar Association (MCBA) has selected Marion County Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd as the recipient of the Carson Award for service to the community, recognizing his sustained commitment to public service.

 

The Carson Award is presented annually to an MCBA member whose work reflects exceptional dedication to the legal profession and to the broader community it serves. The award honors individuals who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility beyond the courtroom.

 

Judge Kidd was recognized for his contributions to the Marion County community through his professional service, mentorship, civic engagement, and commitment to ensuring access to justice. Colleagues noted his exceptional commitment to serving Spanish and Russian speaking communities in Marion County. The Justice Court provides hearing completely in Spanish, where appropriate, and Judge Kidd conducts courthouse weddings in English, French, Spanish, and Russian.

 

“I deeply appreciate Judge Kidd’s commitment to Marion County residents and his enthusiasm for expanding community access to the Justice Court,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “He meets people where they're at and works hard to help them navigate the legal process smoothly. I think that reflects the best service we seek to provide here at the County.”

 

Under Kidd's leadership the Marin County Justice Court has grown. When he was appointed in 2021, the court heard about 16,000 cases per year. Now, the court hears more than 30,000 cases per year. The additional cases had been heard at the circuit court. Moving these cases to the Justice Court frees up the circuit court to focus on public safety concerns.

 

"Show up. Do the work. Open the Courthouse door," said Judge Kidd.  "Those are the guiding principles of my work—both in the court and the community.  I'm thankful to MCBA. I'm also thankful to the County Commissioners for providing the court with the resources that make my work possible."

 

Judge Kidd coaches mock trial at both Salem—Keizer Public Schools and also for Willamette University.  Willamette's moot court board awarded him the 2025 award for Outstanding Legal Professional.  He also serves as a law student mentor, having previously earned Willamette University's Mentor of the Year award.

Judge Kidd's service extends to the community.  He has a special heart for foster children, having served as resource parent.  He is the adoptive father of two former foster children, and he has served on the board of Marion County CASA and Kindred Matters, an organization that works to reunite foster children separated from their siblings by the foster care system.

 

MCBA also honored Tiffany Humphrey with the Carson award to Service for the Bar, as well as Hunter Emerick and Ron Hellewell with the De Muniz award for outstanding professionalism, integrity, fairness, and service to the legal system and the community. The awards will be celebrated with a dinner at the Salem Convention Center February 5, 2026.

Attached Media Files: Justin E. Kidd,

Marion County Justice Of The Peace Receives Carson Award (Photo) - 01/30/26

SALEM, OR — Jan 30, 2026 — The Marion County Bar Association (MCBA) has selected Marion County Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd as the recipient of the Carson Award for service to the community, recognizing his sustained commitment to public service.

 

The Carson Award is presented annually to an MCBA member whose work reflects exceptional dedication to the legal profession and to the broader community it serves. The award honors individuals who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility beyond the courtroom.

 

Judge Kidd was recognized for his contributions to the Marion County community through his professional service, mentorship, civic engagement, and commitment to ensuring access to justice. Colleagues noted his exceptional commitment to serving Spanish and Russian speaking communities in Marion County. The Justice Court provides hearing completely in Spanish, where appropriate, and Judge Kidd conducts courthouse weddings in English, French, Spanish, and Russian.

 

“I deeply appreciate Judge Kidd’s commitment to Marion County residents and his enthusiasm for expanding community access to the Justice Court,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “He meets people where they're at and works hard to help them navigate the legal process smoothly. I think that reflects the best service we seek to provide here at the County.”

 

Under Kidd's leadership the Marin County Justice Court has grown. When he was appointed in 2021, the court heard about 16,000 cases per year. Now, the court hears more than 30,000 cases per year. The additional cases had been heard at the circuit court. Moving these cases to the Justice Court frees up the circuit court to focus on public safety concerns.

 

"Show up. Do the work. Open the Courthouse door," said Judge Kidd.  "Those are the guiding principles of my work—both in the court and the community.  I'm thankful to MCBA. I'm also thankful to the County Commissioners for providing the court with the resources that make my work possible."

 

Judge Kidd coaches mock trial at both Salem—Keizer Public Schools and also for Willamette University.  Willamette's moot court board awarded him the 2025 award for Outstanding Legal Professional.  He also serves as a law student mentor, having previously earned Willamette University's Mentor of the Year award.

Judge Kidd's service extends to the community.  He has a special heart for foster children, having served as resource parent.  He is the adoptive father of two former foster children, and he has served on the board of Marion County CASA and Kindred Matters, an organization that works to reunite foster children separated from their siblings by the foster care system.

 

MCBA also honored Tiffany Humphrey with the Carson award to Service for the Bar, as well as Hunter Emerick and Ron Hellewell with the De Muniz award for outstanding professionalism, integrity, fairness, and service to the legal system and the community. The awards will be celebrated with a dinner at the Salem Convention Center February 5, 2026.

Attached Media Files: Justin E. Kidd,