Fashion Meets Justice: Exploring Ohio Supreme Court Justice Candidates
The Ohio Supreme Court is the highest court in the state of Ohio. The Court’s decisions are binding over all Ohio courts and it handles appeals from the Ohio Courts of Appeal and jurisdiction concerning public and corporate interests. The Court also oversees rules for the administration of justice in Ohio. The Court is comprised of seven justices from across the state.
Style is an outward expression of one’s own unique self. It allows individuals to choose how they present themselves to the world. The choices people make when it comes to what they wear also provides a glimpse into personality and personal choices. Style can be a framework to help show the world who they are, or who they wish to be perceived as.
How a judge presents himself or herself can have a dramatic impact on how they are viewed by the public. A judge in a robe may seem more trustworthy than if they were wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie. However, the two judges could be equally competent and trustworthy. It’s how we perceive them based on clothing.
The current candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court Justice seat being vacated by Judge Bill O’Neill all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Current Ohio Secretary of State Republican candidate Jon Husted is the only candidate who was not born in the state of Ohio. Husted was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After a short stint at U of M, he transferred to Capital University as a second semester freshman, starting over. He attended law school there and graduated from there with a J.D. He is currently a partner at Husted Law Group in Columbus.
Michael P. Donnelly was nominated and confirmed to the Ohio Court of Appeals for the 8th District on September 12, 2012. He served on the Court of Appeals until October 26, 2018 when he was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court. He beat out incumbent Justice Judith L. French by six percentage points. He has worked as a private practice attorney, for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office and then as a judge for the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. He has lived in Cleveland for more than 30 years. He was born at the former Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland and resides in Cleveland.
Everyone’s favorite candidate, and the breath of fresh air this race needed, is attorney Lauren S. McIntosh. Lauren doesn’t come with the same pedigree of the other candidates, but she brings the experience of being a lawyer and advocate for those in need. She works for Legal Aid of Columbus, Ohio. She represents abused children and their families. She focuses on civil rights and breaking the cycle of poverty. She is the perfect candidate to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court because she would bring actual experience that most other candidates with political backgrounds lack.
One fashion statement that has helped Lauren stand out from the rest of the candidates is her use of rosettes. She has rocked them this entire campaign, usually with a modern twist. Rosettes were often previously used on party dresses and blouses. But, Lauren has used them on her coats.
Michael P. Donnelly gives off a look of confidence. His attire has always matched his personality-sharp. He often sports a sport coat or sack suit, with dress slacks and polished shoes. That may be his style and it perfectly fits him. His grey and burgundy ties have also been a fashion statement he has made.
Jon Husted deserves credit for mixing patterns with his apparel choice. He appeared in an early debate wearing a plaid shirt and striped necktie. Jon Husted is also 100% thumbs up as he didn’t wear a necktie. He did not wear a necktie! He kept it simple with an appropriate shirt that worked for him.
While the candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court Justice seat are vastly different in terms of ages, backgrounds and cultures, their fashion statements have been fairly consistent. Perhaps, they have hired stylists to help them find pieces that both work and will resonate with the public. Perhaps, they did a lot of research and came up with consistent wardrobe choices. Maybe, the styles have been nothing but coincidence and will change in the next election campaign. And maybe, just maybe, their personal style is the one thing everyone noticed.
For more information on the judicial system, you can visit this resource from the U.S. Courts.