Supreme Court of Ohio 2011 Annual Report

Court Security staff members Stephanie Tansill and Jason Thomas unveil Chief Justice Moyer’s
portrait, which now hangs in the building’s Grand Concourse.
in transforming the 1930s-era Ohio Departments
Building into the Ohio Judicial Center. Reopened in
2004 after extensive refurbishment, the building is
home to the court and its affiliated offices.
In the December dedication ceremony, Chief
Justice O’Connor said Chief Justice Moyer helped
ensure that, for the first time in the state’s history,
the court had a home of its own.
Chief Justice Moyer’s wife, Mary, was in attendance
as his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Emens, spoke on
behalf of the family, saying the Chief had grand
passions for history, law and the court.
Chief Justice Moyer was elected to his first term in
November 1986 and took office on January 1, 1987.
He was re-elected in 1992, 1998 and 2004.
Chief Justice Moyer was a leader in promoting
improved access to the courts through alternative
dispute resolution and computer technology.
He also sought to ensure equal access to the courts
through the development of a certification process
for interpreters for non-English speakers and the
hearing-impaired.
As Justice Paul E. Pfeifer wrote shortly after Chief
Moyer’s death, “Of course, his contributions were
due to his possession of the usual requirements for
success: a tireless work ethic, a gifted intellect and a
creative mind. But ultimately the accomplishments of
Thomas J. Moyer — the Chief — were made possible
by the character of Tom Moyer — the man — soft
spoken and humble, courteous and kind, always
conscious of others and concerned for the greater
good.”
READ MORE: More information about the Moyer
Judicial Center and the life of Chief Justice Moyer, as
well as videos of the December 2, 2011, dedication
ceremony, the May 1, 2010, memorial service and a
video tribute are available at sc.ohio.gov.
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