Justice Speeches

Chief Justice Moyer would be so proud of this building which bears his name. He had a vision. And under Lane’s [Bougher] leadership, that vision -- as an important place for art, history, and justice is maintained -- and continues to grow in importance.

This building is a showplace. That’s important for a Supreme Court for two reasons, the building should reflect the important work done here. And it does. And its diversity of art & architecture should draw the people of Ohio to enjoy and reflect on our state’s history.

Here, we host the litigants who appear before the court of last resort for the state, to have their disputes reach conclusion.

In addition, the nationally recognized and award-winning Civic Education program includes nearly 400 group tours per year, and countless other individuals who take the self-guided tours. School children make up most of the group tours. They come to learn about being citizens in a democracy, the administration of justice, and of the Supreme Court of Ohio. They come to learn about the best system of government – of justice – in the free world. And they appreciate our history through the artwork.

Young people -- boys and girls alike -- should see that this is a place for all people.

The Declaration of Independence (signed 1776) set a standard which inspired people to fight for it. It said: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These ideals became part of the U.S. Constitution when the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791.

And in 1803, the newly adopted Ohio Constitution began: “All men are, by nature, free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and seeking and obtaining happiness and safety.”

It was another 117 years before women would be granted the rights of a full citizen.

Nils, you have brought an important story to this building’s repertoire, which will no doubt spark discussion. In addition to being the story of Women’s Suffrage, A Century of Women and the Law is the story of the evolution of what it means to be a free person with inalienable rights, in Ohio.

I encourage you all to read the story of the panels of this mural, which is in your program.

I am particularly struck by the energy of the panel involving the judges of Mahoning County. Women who work hard every day to ensure the rights of others portray the fight for the right to participate in our democracy.  It’s a moving concept. A marvelous idea.

For there are hundreds of judicial officers who serve their community, and they will be represented in this way for posterity.

And the panel of 13 (women who have served as justices of the Supreme Court), I am proud to be among such an esteemed group of talented women who made the commitment to justice. They took various paths to get to this place. And while it is not common, it is no longer unusual for women to be equal citizens –  eligible to serve on the state’s court of last resort.

The artwork here is diverse, and now it begins to reflect diversity in the subjects.

That will instill the idea in young boys and girls that women belong in these hallowed halls. Every school child, regardless of gender, religion, or race, should get the message that: they too, can study hard, represent well, and be a leader.

I hope that they can see a place for themselves in our society and our system of justice.  And that can happen if they see people like themselves.

Thank you, Nils. And thank you to the Moyer Commission for your care and good stewardship for these halls of justice at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

I would also like to recognize Justices Pat DeWine and Pat Fischer who are with us today. And portrayed in the portrait and also joining us are former justices Judy French, Yvette McGee Brown, and Mary DeGenero.

Thank you for attending and God bless.