Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Justice Sharon L. Kennedy presided over the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Judge Janet Rath Colaluca.

Prior to administrating the oath of office on January 28, Justice Kennedy delivered remarks.

"Judges play many roles. They facilitate impartial hearings and trials, assess the evidence presented, and interpret the law," Justice Kennedy said. "Beyond that, a judge of the court of common pleas, domestic relations division is a caretaker; caretaker of the family, children thrust into litigation of divorcing parents, and the new emerging families."

Judge Colaluca was appointed by Governor Kasich to the Cuyahoga County court in December of 2012. Justice Kennedy said she will make a fine addition to the domestic relations court bench.

"Judge Colaluca brings wisdom and learned experience to the bench having served the families of Cuyahoga County in the domestic relations court for the past nine years and the needs of her clients as a private practitioner," Justice Kennedy said. "Congratulations on Judge Colaluca's new beginning."

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served at the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division since 1999. 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.