JACKSON —Mississippi Jurist in Residence John N. Hudson, of Natchez, was one of the recipients of 2015‚ Chief Justice Award for his work improving the juvenile justice system.

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. presented the awards Friday during the Mississippi Bar Convention in Sandestin, Fla.

Hudson was honored for work to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to bring about juvenile justice reform, and has served in state and national leadership positions.

Hudson became the state’s first Jurist in Residence April 1. He retired in December 2014 after 31 years as Adams County Court and Youth Court Judge. His job as Jurist in Residence is to assist Youth Courts across the state in dealing with abused, neglected and delinquent children. He serves as a mentor, helps with training in best practices and works to locate and access community and other resources to assist youth courts.