Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy gave the keynote remarks and administered the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony of Judge Joyce A. Campbell on December 2.

Judge Campbell ran unopposed and was reelected to the Fairfield Municipal Court on November 5. She has served on the court since 1999. Judge Campbell's next term commences on January 1, 2014 and will expire on December 31, 2019. Fairfield is a city located in Butler County.

Prior to serving on the Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served on the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division from 1999 to 2012.

"This is an exciting time in the life of Judge Campbell. Sitting on the bench is a culmination of education, hard work, and respect of one's community," Justice Kennedy said.

Justice Kennedy told Judge Campbell that she should cherish being a judge, but said there are also challenges to sitting on the bench.

"As a municipal and county court judge, you sit in judgment of your fellow citizens. Sitting in judgment is a difficult task when called to balance punishment and rehabilitation, but it is particularly difficult when those who you sit in judgment of are your neighbors, church members, and the people of your home community," Justice Kennedy added.

Justice Kennedy's remarks were joined by those from Fairfield Mayor Ronald A. D'Epifanio during the swearing-in ceremony.

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Justice Kennedy served as the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division administrative judge 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.