Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy addressed members of the Ironton Rotary Club at their meeting held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

In her address, Justice Kennedy spoke about the Rotary Four-Way Test and the founding of America. The Four-Way Test—the code of ethics used by Rotarians worldwide—was developed by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 to save a company from collapsing. Rotary International adopted it 11 years later.

The Four-Way Test 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?

These questions, Justice Kennedy pointed out, are reminiscent of the founding principles of America.

One of the examples Justice Kennedy gave was the organization of the legislative branch of government.

"The way the legislature is set up is beneficial to all because it guarantees that the voice of the people will be heard by the election of representatives. That representative who is chosen by the people—his or her sole function is to be the spokesperson for the people. To make the voice of the people heard."

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.