Eleanor Finch
The Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest court in the state, with final authority over interpretations of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. The court has seven members: a chief justice and six associate justices. Justices on the Supreme Court of Ohio are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for a seat. The chief justice and associate justices are chosen by election for a six-year term. The governor of Ohio may appoint a justice to fill a vacancy that occurs between elections. There are no term limits, but a justice may not be appointed or elected after the age of 70.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of justices | 6 justices and 1 chief justice |
| Election process | Justices are selected through a partisan election where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. |
| Term length | Justices are elected for a six-year term with no term limits. |
| Age limit | A person may not run for a seat on any Ohio court if they are more than 70 years of age. |
| Appointment process | When a seat opens in the middle of a justice's term, the governor appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. |
| Jurisdiction | The Supreme Court of Ohio has exclusive authority to interpret Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution, regulate admission to the practice of law, and prescribe rules for all courts in the state. |
| Salary | Chief Justice: $174,700 per year; Associate Justice: $164,000 per year (as of 2018) |
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What You'll Learn
Justices are elected at large by voters
The Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest court in the U.S. state of Ohio, with final authority over interpretations of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. The court has seven members: a chief justice and six associate justices. Justices on the Supreme Court of Ohio are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for a seat. The justices are elected at large by the voters of Ohio for six-year terms.
Every two years, two of the associate justice seats are up for election. For one of those three elections in a six-year cycle, the chief justice's seat is also up for election. To run for a seat on the court, a person must be admitted to the bar in Ohio and have practised law or served as a judge for at least six years. There is an age limit: no one over 70 years old may run for a seat on any Ohio court. This limit often forces the retirement of long-time justices. However, a judge who reaches the age of 70 after being elected is not prevented from completing their term in office.
When a seat opens in the middle of a justice's term, the governor of Ohio appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice holds office until Ohio's next general election, which must be more than 40 days after the vacancy occurred. If the remainder of the term concludes within a year of the election, the appointed justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. If there is an election, the elected justice serves the remainder of the term.
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The governor appoints justices to fill vacancies
The Ohio Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of Ohio as the state's highest court. It comprises six justices and one chief justice, who are all elected for six-year terms. While the chief justice is chosen through a nonpartisan election, the justices are selected through a partisan election.
When a justice's seat becomes vacant mid-term, the governor of Ohio appoints a candidate to fill the vacancy. The appointed justice holds office until the next general election in Ohio, which must occur more than 40 days after the vacancy. However, if the remainder of the term is less than a year, the appointed justice serves for the rest of the unexpired term.
The Ohio Constitution outlines specific requirements for individuals to be eligible for appointment or election to the Supreme Court. According to Article IV, Section 2, a person must be an attorney with a minimum of six years of experience practising law to serve on the Supreme Court.
The governor's appointment power ensures continuity in the Supreme Court's operations by promptly filling vacant positions. It allows for a swift transition and ensures that the court can maintain its functionality and effectively carry out its responsibilities.
The process of appointing justices to fill vacancies is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and efficiency of Ohio's judicial system. By promptly addressing these vacancies, the governor plays a vital role in upholding the proper administration of justice in the state.
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Justices are elected for six-year terms
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Ohio. It has seven members: a chief justice and six associate justices. The chief justice is chosen by election for a six-year term. Justices on the Supreme Court of Ohio are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term and justices are required to run for re-election if they wish to remain on the court. Justices may seek additional terms through partisan elections.
Every two years, two of the associate justice seats are up for election to a six-year term. For one of those three elections in a six-year cycle, the chief justice's seat is also up for election. In order to run for a seat on the court, a person must be admitted to the bar in Ohio and have practiced as a lawyer or served as a judge for at least six years. There is an age limit: one may not run for a seat on any Ohio court if one is more than 70 years of age.
The Ohio Supreme Court was founded in 1802 and established in the state constitution as a three-member court, holding courts in each county every year. The court has undergone significant changes since then, and in 1851, for example, circuit court judges were elected by popular vote to terms "not less than six years". In 1883, terms of supreme court judges were set at "not less than five years", and in 1892, terms were set at six years.
The Supreme Court has exclusive authority to regulate admission to the practice of law, the discipline of attorneys admitted to practice, and all other matters relating to the practice of law. It also has appellate jurisdiction in cases involving questions arising under the Ohio or United States Constitutions, cases originating in the courts of appeals, and cases where the death penalty has been imposed.
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Justices must be admitted to the bar in Ohio
The Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest court in the U.S. state of Ohio, with final authority over interpretations of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. The court has seven members: a chief justice and six associate justices, who are elected at large by the voters of Ohio for six-year terms. Every two years, two of the associate justice seats are up for election. In the year when the Chief Justice runs, voters pick three members of the Court.
To be eligible to run for a seat on the court, a person must be admitted to the bar in Ohio and have practised law or served as a judge for at least six years. This is in addition to other requirements, such as age limits—a person may not run for a seat on any Ohio court if they are over 70 years old.
The process of becoming admitted to the bar in Ohio involves several steps and requirements. Candidates must submit two applications: the Application to Register as a Candidate and the Application to take the Bar Examination. In addition, they must provide a Law School Character Certificate, an Applicant's Affidavit, and a Supplemental Character Questionnaire. The Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness evaluates and acts upon the admissions committee's recommendation. Applicants must receive final board approval of their character, fitness, and moral qualifications at least three weeks before the examination they are applying to take.
The Supreme Court of Ohio has exclusive authority to regulate admission to the practice of law and the discipline of attorneys admitted to practice. The Court has promulgated the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, which address admission to practice, attorney discipline, registration, continuing legal education, and the unauthorised practice of law.
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Justices must be under 70 years old
The Ohio Constitution sets out the rules and regulations for the state's highest court, the Supreme Court of Ohio. The court consists of a Chief Justice and six associate justices, who are elected by the voters of Ohio for six-year terms.
The Ohio Constitution imposes an age limit on those seeking to become a justice. According to the Constitution, a person may not be appointed or elected as a justice if they are over the age of 70. This rule applies to all Ohio courts and serves to force the retirement of long-serving justices. Notably, this age limit prevented Justice Francis E. Sweeney, Sr. from running for re-election in 2004, Justice Terrence O'Donnell in 2018, and Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor in 2022.
However, it is important to note that a judge who turns 70 after being elected is permitted to complete their term in office. This exception allows for continuity and ensures that the court can maintain its functions without disruption.
The age limit for justices in Ohio's Constitution is a significant factor in ensuring a fresh perspective on the bench and facilitating the inclusion of newer legal minds. It also encourages the regular introduction of fresh ideas and approaches to interpreting the law and the Constitution. This age limit is a unique feature of Ohio's judicial system and sets it apart from other states in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
The voters of Ohio. Justices are selected through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat.
Every two years, two of the associate justice seats are up for election to a six-year term. For one of those three elections in a six-year cycle, the chief justice's seat is also up for election.
Yes, a person must be an attorney with at least six years of experience in the practice of law to be elected or appointed to the Supreme Court. There is also an age limit of 70 years.
