Supreme Court of Ohio 2011 Annual Report

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On January 1, Maureen O’Connor became the first woman chief justice in Ohio history. Just seven days later, the new chief justice looked on as Yvette McGee Brown was sworn in as the first African- American woman to serve on the high court bench. 2011 thus marked the return of a female majority to the Supreme Court, which first occurred when Justice O’Connor joined the court in 2003. It also was the start of a friendship between Chief Justice O’Connor and Justice McGee Brown, a relationship that did not escape the attention of the media. The Columbus Dispatch later in the year headlined a feature article with, “Justices Discover They’re Sisters in Law.” Ohio voters elected Chief Justice O’Connor on November 2, 2010, to a 6-year term as the Supreme Court’s 10th chief justice. She became the state’s 148th justice when her first term began January 1, 2003, and was later re-elected a justice of the court in 2008. She was only the sixth woman to join the Ohio Supreme Court. The first was Florence Allen in 1923. At her swearing-in ceremony, Justice Paul E. Pfeifer administered the oath of office. Chief Justice O’Connor said she’s looking forward to continuing the work with her colleagues on addressing the court’s share of the budget burden facing the state. “Without question, each branch of government will undergo some degree of belt-tightening while still delivering high-quality services,” she said. “We are poised to make those difficult decisions strategically, collaboratively and soundly.” Several days later, the Ohio judicial community and the city of Columbus came together to honor Justice McGee Brown at her swearing-in ceremony on January 8. Then-Gov. Ted Strickland administered the oath of office at the King Arts 7
Complex in the near east side Columbus neighborhood where Justice McGee Brown was raised. Another barrier is broken today. This strengthens our democracy in an important and visible way. PICTURED TOP: Chief Justice O’Connor poses a question for counsel during her first oral argument as chief. PICTURED BOTTOM: Justice Yvette McGee Brown is sworn in by Gov. Ted Strickland as her husband and son look on. “This day is possible because of people from this neighborhood, people who are not famous,” Justice McGee Brown said. “Another barrier is broken today. This strengthens our democracy in an important and visible way.” More than 700 people overflowed the theater and adjoining rooms of the King Arts Complex for the event and the reception that followed. Justice McGee Brown’s family, former teachers and friends were on hand for the celebration. Among those joining the new justice and Gov. Strickland onstage and offering remarks were Chief Justice O’Connor, Ohio State Bar Association President Carmen V. Roberto, and Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Justice McGee Brown well since her appointment,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “I’m happy to call her a colleague, excited that such an accomplished, respected public servant has joined the court, 8
Page 1 and 2: le • Amy J. Ervin • Lindsay L.
Page 3 and 4: Paul E. Pfeifer • Chief Justice M
Page 6 and 7: Table of Contents 2 Supreme Court J
Page 8 and 9: JUSTICE O’DONNELL JUSTICE LANZING
Page 10 and 11: Transitions Retirements around the
Page 14 and 15: and looking forward to tackling the
Page 16 and 17: Court Security staff members Stepha
Page 18 and 19: Ensuring Access The court made prog
Page 20 and 21: Rule Changes Among the rule changes
Page 22 and 23: FEBRUARY 14 The American Bar Associ
Page 24 and 25: NOVEMBER 4 Thirty-five Ohio court p
Page 26 and 27: 2011 ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE CHIEF
Page 28 and 29: CASES FILED IN 2011 JURISDICTIONAL
Page 30 and 31: CASES PENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011 JUR
Page 32 and 33: PRACTICE OF LAW CASES: FINAL DISPOS
Page 34 and 35: TIME TO DISPOSITION The case proces
Page 36 and 37: TIME TO DISPOSITION JURISDICTIONAL
Page 38 and 39: CASE STATISTICS NOTES 1. The 2010 A
Page 40 and 41: OHIO JUDICIARY/SUPREME COURT Fiscal
Page 42 and 43: Hon. Denise Herman McColley William
Page 44 and 45: ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC VIOL
Page 46 and 47: In Memoriam CLIFFORD F. BROWN JUSTI
Page 48 and 49: PAUL S. FU LAW LIBRARY DIRECTOR, 19
Page 50: 2011 SUPREME COURT OF OHIO AND AFFI

Supreme Court of Ohio 2011 Annual Report

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