[1][2] It is named in honor of Judge Henry Friendly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
[3][4] The medal is conferred to an individual for their contributions "in the tradition of Judge Friendly.
"[5] The award is reserved to some of the most influential modern jurists, including Judge Merrick Garland, and U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and John Roberts.
[11] The award has been described as "prestigious" and "reserved for recipients who are considered especially worthy of receiving it.
[14] In 1992, Judge Michael Boudin of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit was the chair of the awarding committee.