'Judging Amy' Gets Positive Verdict

Friday, May 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) â€” ``Judging Amy'' star Amy Brenneman got a positive judgment from her home state's Supreme Court Friday for her TV depiction of a juvenile court judge â€” a role inspired by her mother, Frederica Brenneman, who served 30 years-plus on the nonfictional bench.

``Judge Brenneman has been a pioneer in the often thankless and unglamorous work of the juvenile courts, and her daughter has increased public awareness and recognition of this tough job through her program,'' Chief Justice Francis McDonald said. ``We appreciate the efforts of both Judge Brenneman and her daughter.''

McDonald praised Amy Brenneman for creating the popular prime-time CBS drama based on her mother's career.

``It is really a tribute to Judge Brenneman,'' he said.

McDonald gave Judge Brenneman a small pewter box emblazoned with the state seal and gave the actress a gavel bearing the state seal.

``We hope you will use this on the show,'' he said.

Amy Brenneman, who earned a religion degree from Harvard University before pursuing an acting career, said she has always admired her mother's work, adding, ``I always think the more specific a show is, the better it is.''