Hot Springs, Ark. — The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, in conjunction with Henderson State University, awarded the Sidney S. McMath Sword of Justice Award in Hot Springs recently. The award is presented to one prosecutor every two years for his efforts to promote justice and fulfill the goals of the Association.
Third Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and Association President, Henry H. Boyce, of Newport was presented the honor.
Boyce told the Hill ’n Holler Review that he couldn’t be more honored by his selection. He added that there could be no greater honor than to be recognized by his peers. Boyce has conducted the prolonged prosecution of accused Randolph County killers of a Dalton, Ark., family of four who were found brutally murdered in 1998. The son, Chad Green, was convicted on four counts of murder this August and sentenced to four consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for kidnapping. The father, Billy Green, will stand trial next April for the murders. Boyce will seek the death penalty.
Sidney S. McMath, Arkansas governor from 1949 to 1953, later was called “one of the nation’s foremost trial lawyers,” representing thousands of injured persons. He was one-time president of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Henderson State University is McMath’s alma mater.
Also honored for their work in the Arkansas Legislature this year with the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association Advocate of Justice Award were Sen. David Burnett of Osceola, Sen. Jake Files of Fort Smith, Sen. Missy Irvin of Mountain View, Sen. Randy Laverty of Jasper, Sen. Jason Rapert of Conway, and Sen. Larry Teague of Nashville, as well as Rep. John Charles Edwards of Little Rock, Rep. Kim Hammer of Benton, Rep. Leslee Milam Post of Ozark, Rep. David “Bubba” Powers of Hope, Rep. Matthew Shepherd of El Dorado, Rep. David Sanders of Little Rock, Rep. Nate Steel of Nashville, and Rep. Marshall Wright of Forrest City.

Arkansas Prosecutor Coordinator Bob McMahan, left, with 3rd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Henry Boyce of Newport, winner of the Sword of Justice Award. (Photo Provided)