Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy addressed members of the Tipp City Rotary Club at their July 14, 2014, meeting held in Miami County.

In her speech titled "The Rotary Four-Way Test and the Founding of America," Justice Kennedy outlined the questions asked by the Four-Way Test: 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?

One of her points focused on the checks and balances within government, which were placed there, she said, to uphold truth, ensure fairness, and benefit all citizens.

Justice Kennedy went on to say how vital it is to respect the carefully crafted balance of powers in order to preserve the beneficial system in place. Narrowing it down further, she explained her role as a justice in such preservation.

"My sole function as a judge or justice is to ensure that the people's voice is heard," she said.  "But it differs from a legislative representative in that it is not my job to change the law. Rather, my duty is to honor the people's voice by letting the law go forward as written, unless it is unconstitutional, in which case it is my job to protect the people's rights as guaranteed in the Constitution."

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.