Hurwitz graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University in 1968 with an Artium Baccalaureus degree in Public and International Affairs.

[1] His practice included commercial litigation, administrative law, and government affairs, but he was best known as one of the most skilled appellate specialists in Arizona.

[citation needed] His most notable case as an appellate attorney came in 2002, when he successfully argued Ring v. Arizona before the United States Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court agreed in a 7–2 decision that dramatically altered capital sentencing in Arizona and a number of other states.

[1] Hurwitz was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court in 2003 by Governor Janet Napolitano, replacing former Chief Justice Stanley G.

[11] In the 2006 election, he received another six-year term, with more than 77% of Arizona voters casting ballots in favor of his retention in office.

[13] Notable opinions he authored include: In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Hurwitz served as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Evidence.

[22] He is married to Dr. Sally Hurwitz, formerly an associate dean at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.