Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today established the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel to assist him in the selection of judges for vacancies in Ohio courts.
“Ohioans deserve a transparent and inclusive government, and, under my administration, that will include the process of selecting judicial appointees,” Strickland said. “By establishing this new panel, we will help ensure that the most qualified judges will carry out the critical role of presiding over the courts in Ohio.”
Under the Ohio Constitution, the governor holds the authority to fill vacant judicial posts in Ohio courts occasioned by retirement or resignation.
Members of the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel (OJARP) will evaluate the qualifications of applicants for judicial vacancies and then make non-binding recommendations to the governor based on their evaluations.
The panel will consist of five at-large members, appointed by the governor for renewable two-year terms. The governor will designate one member as the panel chair, who will lead the panel’s operations to fill each vacancy. These five members will be assisted by regional groups of six members, who will be appointed by the governor as vacancies occur in their area of the state. Regional panels will include one member to represent the local labor and consumer community and another member to represent the area’s business and industry interests.
Panel members, who will serve without compensation, will include lawyers and non-lawyers and reflect Ohio’s diverse citizenry.
As a judicial vacancy occurs, the panel will provide notice and wide distribution regarding the availability of the open post, including a posting on the governor’s Web site. Any Ohio attorney who meets the legal requirements for judicial appointment is eligible to apply for consideration.
The governor has instructed the panel to consider all factors in reviewing and recommending the potential appointees, but, in particular, the panel will evaluate: the applicant’s background and ability to serve fairly and effectively; the applicant’s contribution to bringing diverse perspectives to Ohio’s judiciary; and the likelihood that the applicant could and would effectively campaign to retain his seat if appointed to the bench.
“The establishment of this panel continues our efforts to restore trust and integrity in Ohio’s government,” Strickland said.