Known as one of the most prestigious judicial honors in the country, the Rehnquist Award is presented annually to a state court judge who exemplifies the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness and professional ethics, according to the center.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts will present the award to Durham at a ceremony Nov. 15 in Washington, D.C.

"Chief Justice Durham has demonstrated her commitment to public service, judicial education, and the cause of justice throughout her 25 years on the Utah Supreme Court," said Roberts in a press release.

Durham is noted for developing interactive education programs in content areas that until then did not have curriculum, such as domestic violence, child-witness testimony, and scientific evidence.

Durham was selected to serve on the Utah Supreme Court in 1982 and was named chief justice in 2002.

Prior to joining Utah's highest court, Durham served as a district court judge, was an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University's School of Law and worked in private practice.

She was a founding member of the National Association of Women Judges, serving as the organization's president from 1986 to 1897; she has served on the Board of Directors of the American Judicature Society; she serves on the Council of the American Law Institute; she was a co-founder of the Leadership Institute for Judicial Education, located at Memphis University; and she currently serves on the ABA's Council for Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.

Durham graduated from Duke University School of Law in 1971 and serves on Duke's Board of Trustees. She completed her undergraduate degree at Wellesley College.