Judge Eric Brown Sworn in as Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

Before family, friends and colleagues, Franklin County Probate Court Judge Eric Brown was sworn in today as the ninth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio at a public ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse.

Chief Justice Brown fills the remaining eight months of the term of the late Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, who died unexpectedly on April 2. Governor Ted Strickland appointed Brown to the vacancy on the Supreme Court on April 14.

In his remarks, Brown said he was humbled to join the Supreme Court, by the support of the legal and judicial community, and by the governor’s confidence to name him to the Supreme Court. He also asked for the help and guidance of the six Justices, who attended the ceremony, in the coming months.

“I pledge to you, I pledge to all Ohioans to uphold our Constitutions and the rule of law,” Brown said, “so that all people continue to hold the judiciary in high regard.”

He said because of the slow and deliberate nature of the judiciary, he did not envision any significant changes at the Supreme Court during the short term.

Brown also spoke of Chief Justice Moyer as a “great leader and faithful follower of the rule of law” and that he would walk on the path of “stability and understanding” already established by Chief Justice Moyer.

“My energies will be dedicated to ensuring that Ohio’s judicial system remains fair and efficient, open and accessible,” Brown said.

Justice Paul E. Pfeifer, who as the most senior member of the Supreme Court had been serving as Acting Chief Justice, administered the oath of office. The ceremony was held in the North Hearing Room of the Senate Annex, which served as one of the courtrooms for the Supreme Court between 1857 and 1974.

Brown becomes the 152nd Justice of the Supreme Court.