Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy gave the keynote address at the West Chester/Liberty Rotary Club meeting on January 27, 2017.

Justice Kennedy focused on the parallels found between the Rotarian Four-Way Test and the principles upon which America was founded.

The Four-Way Test provides a guide for Rotarians to determine their ethical responsibilities and does so by asking the questions: Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it fair to all concerned? Is it the truth?

"This code of ethics is reminiscent of the founding principles of this great nation and the establishment of the rule of law and its application to our guaranteed freedoms," Justice Kennedy said.

Justice Kennedy concluded by taking questions from the audience and discussing a range of topics from how a judge maintains impartiality to the constitutional right to elect judges.

Justice Kennedy is serving her second 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, and went on to receive her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.