Florida State Law professor honored for work on behalf of children

Press Date
December 1, 2010

TALLAHASSEE — The Youth Law Center (YLC), a national leader in helping children in the foster care and justice systems, has named Florida State University College of Law Clinical Professor Paolo Annino a Loren Warboys Unsung Hero for 2010. The award is given to individuals who have made extraordinary efforts on behalf of children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The center honored Annino at a reception in San Francisco on Tuesday, December 7. 

Annino was recognized for his work on behalf of foster children and juvenile inmates as co-director of the law school’s Public Interest Law Center. Most recently, Annino conducted a nationwide study that the United States Supreme Court relied heavily upon to make a landmark decision in Graham v. Florida. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy several times cited Annino’s study in writing the opinion. The court ruled that the Constitution prohibits the imposition of life without parole on a juvenile offender who did not commit homicide. 

“I am truly honored to be recognized by my colleagues at the Youth Law Center for our work at the Public Interest Law Center,” said Annino. “I could not be receiving the Loren Warboys Unsung Hero Award without the energetic Florida State University law students who commit their education, time and passions to advocate for children.” 

Annino works one-on-one with second- and third-year law students at the Public Interest Law Center to provide effective legal services to the under-represented. 

“I admire and applaud Paolo’s strong commitment to ensuring that children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems are treated humanely and fairly and receive appropriate services and support,” said Carole Shauffer, executive director of the Youth Law Center.