COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court welcomed Sharon Kennedy as its 11th Chief Justice on Wednesday, with Kennedy taking her official oath in an intimate setting that included family, friends, and lawmakers. She's the second woman to earn this position in the history of Ohio's high court.
What You Need To Know
- Kennedy is the second woman to earn this position in Ohio
- People of all backgrounds came out to celebrate Kennedy's investiture
- She will prioritize prison sentencing
"The next Justice to the Supreme Court of Ohio must be someone who is vigilantly and strictly dedicated to the separation of powers, to exercise restraint and say what the law says not what the law should be," said Kennedy.
Family, lawmakers, and longtime friends supported Kennedy through this transition. Kennedy began her career as a police officer before becoming an administrative judge and then a justice on the Supreme Court.
"It's unlikely we've ever had a Chief Justice who knows the state any better than any candidate does as she assumes the oath of office," said Hon. Paul E. Pfeifer, Exec. Director, Ohio Judicial Conference.
Other lawmakers and judges spoke highly of Kennedy's accomplishments.
"The traits a person must have to maintain and achieve this position is respect for the court, courage, compassion, empathy, and respect," said Hon. Judge Gregory Howard, Butler County Court. "A reputation for honesty and fairness. When you take a look at Justice Kennedy, she mentions all of them."
Kennedy will replace former Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, a Republican who sided with Democrats in some high-profile cases.
She will step into the job at a time when the high court could be ruling on issues such as redistricting and abortion.
"It's the vote of the court that decides what rules pass and what rules don't," Kennedy said. "Then the general assembly has a role and rules of practice and procedure. So if the general assembly does not pass those rules, they do not become rules."
Kennedy will also play a major role in setting up judicial commissions. She plans to focus on prison sentencing and programs that will help former inmates transition into society. She also hopes to create a mentoring task force for prison youth, work with drug treatment courts and focus on mental health.
Kennedy will lead a court that has a solid conservative majority.
"I promise to serve every Ohioan with a full heart and a steady moral compass," Kennedy said.
Editor's Note: The story has been updated to correctly quote Sharon Kennedy. (Jan. 27, 2023)