League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
State of Ohio November 6, 2012 Election
	Sharon L. Kennedy Answers Questions Candidate for Justice; Ohio State Supreme Court; Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/14

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. Do you support or oppose the election of judges and why?

I support the election of judges.

The Ohio Constitution originally provided for the appointment of judges. Due to legislative abuses of removing judges without cause, in 1850 a constitutional convention changed the provision for the appointment of judges to a provision for the election of judges.

While there are legitimate concerns about electing judges, the alternative is a legislative or third+ party appointment process. Those alternatives are fraught with similar concerns of undue influence, political engineering, and allegations of pay-to-play politics.

Until the voters decide to amend their Constitution and create a better system, I stand with Ohioans constitutional right to elect their judicial representatives.

2. What changes would you recommend to reduce the perceived influence of money contributions in our courts?

There are three ways to improve Ohioans confidence in the justice system. First, improve and increase civic education. Second, improve and increase decision-making transparency. Lastly, with appropriate approval, reform the statewide election process.

Often, myths and misconceptions about the judicial system and the work of individual courts exist. Improving and increasing civic education to dispel myths and correct misconceptions can improve the public's understanding and impartiality confidence measures.

In conjunction with civic education, technological advancements permit independent non-lawyer access and review of judicial decisions. Increasing decision-making transparency would improve the public's understanding and impartiality confidence measures.

Lastly, subject to legislative, executive and voter approval, the creation of Associate Justice districts is a way to restructure statewide judicial elections to reduce reliance on campaign contributions and expenditures, while advancing confidence in an impartial judiciary. Only the Chief Justice is elected statewide.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Answers will be cut off if they exceed a word limit, if present. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 13, 2012 08:37
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