The Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award is presented annually to those attorneys and clients whose cases tell the story of American civil justice. These courageous people and their advocates have helped educate state and national policy makers and the public about the importance of consumers’ rights.
The award is named for Steven J. Sharp of Richland, Oregon, who brought suit against the manufacturer of a defective tractor hay baler after losing both of his arms in an accident when he was 17 years old.
At the time of Steven's case, legislation was pending that would have barred him from taking his complaint against the manufacturer to court. He spoke out to show lawmakers how legislation to limit access to the courts would deprive people like him of justice.
