Ahead of judicial elections, Ohio State Bar Association calls on all Ohioans to help protect judicial independence

As Ohioans prepare to vote in judicial races across the state this fall, the Board of Governors of the Ohio State Bar Association adopted a resolution that calls on lawyers, judges, judicial candidates and voters each to do their parts to protect judicial independence and strengthen public confidence in Ohio’s courts. It says:
 
• Lawyers should engage in constructive and respectful discussion of judicial decisions, defend the independence of courts and oppose conduct that undermines the legitimacy or safety of judges and judicial institutions.
 
• Judges and judicial candidates should always conduct themselves in ways that promote the greatest possible public confidence in an independent and impartial judiciary. That means refraining from endorsing political candidates, making commitments regarding how they would rule in future cases, taking positions on matters that may come before them or engaging in personal attacks against their opponents. 
 
• Voters are urged to take the time to become informed and participate in judicial elections at every level and recognizing the distinct role of judges in our system, to look beyond traditional partisan politics when evaluating judicial candidates.
 
“Judges are elected, but their responsibility once on the bench is to decide cases independently and impartially based on the law and the facts—not in response to public pressure or politics” said Ohio Bar CEO Mary Amos Augsburger. “As Ohioans prepare to vote, it is an important time to recognize that distinction, and the legal profession stands ready to help by providing credible information about judicial elections in order to support our courts and an independent judiciary."
 
The resolution comes at a consequential time for Ohio’s judiciary, as voters prepare to select judges who will make decisions affecting constitutional rights, families, businesses, communities and the administration of justice across the state, while at the same time there are distinct challenges impacting public confidence in the courts, including political polarization, increased criticism of judges and judicial institutions and evolving norms surrounding judicial speech and conduct.
 
The association pledged to continue and expand civic and public education initiatives that help Ohioans understand how courts work, why judicial independence matters and how to make informed decisions when voting for judges. Those efforts include the nonpartisan JudicialVotesCount.org, which provides reliable information about judicial elections; MyOhioRights.com, which helps students and young adults understand their legal rights and responsibilities; and partnerships that connect Ohio judges and lawyers with students through the National Constitution Center’s Scholar Exchange program.
 
Founded in 1880, the Ohio State Bar Association is the state’s largest legal network, representing attorneys, judges, legal professionals and law students. The Ohio Bar is committed to promoting justice and advancing the legal profession, including helping Ohioans understand the law and legal system.