Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy addressed members of the Loudonville Rotary Club on Thursday, August 7, 2014.

In her keynote which she titled "The Rotary Four-Way Test and the Founding of America," Justice Kennedy discussed the various ways in which the American system of government passes the criteria set forth in Rotary's test.

The Four-Way Test is the Rotarian code of ethics which asks the questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?

"In conceiving this republic, the founding fathers had in their mind a government that would be beneficial to all mankind," Justice Kennedy said. "The Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights all demonstrate this. They had in mind the idea that everyone would enjoy these blessings."

She referenced one of those blessings during a question and answer period with members following her speech. Justice Kennedy credited her path to the state's highest court to the distinct advantage of living in America.

"Only in America could a working class kid whose parents grew up in the great depression find her way to the Supreme Court of Ohio," she said. "Thanks to the promise that is uniquely America: the American dream."

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served on the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division from 1999 to 2012. Justice Kennedy served as the administrative judge there from 2005 until December 2012. Justice Kennedy began her career in the justice system as a police officer in Hamilton, Ohio. She received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.