Throwing away ‘throw away the key’

May 8, 2011, Marion Star

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Judge Richard Berens knows there are problems with Ohio’s corrections system and more needs to be done to help ex-prisoners adjust back into society.

But the Fairfield County Common Pleas judge also thinks the people he sends to prison belong there.

State lawmakers have proposed sweeping reforms to Ohio’s corrections system. A comprehensive bill passed the House on a 96-2 vote Wednesday, and it’s been the subject of ongoing Senate committee hearings. Gov. John Kasich supports the measure.

While Berens supports the bill’s efforts to reduce recidivism and boost rehabilitation, he fears some provisions will tie judges’ hands and put more stress on county departments.

The legislation would mean first-time, nonviolent, low-level felony offenders could not be sent to state prison, and instead would get three years probation. The bill also doubles the threshold for felony-level thefts, meaning more would head to the county jail on theft charges.

Chief justice seeks changes in how Ohio appoints, elects judges

Apr. 3, 2011, Newark Advocate

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Although Ohioans elect their judges, three of the seven jurists in Licking County initially were given their robes by a governor.

Statewide, about one-third of those on the bench today got their start through a gubernatorial appointment, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said.

For this reason and others, O’Connor has proposed several changes to keep the politics off the bench. Her proposed reforms include:

» Requiring a bipartisan judicial appointment recommendation panel to approve all midterm gubernatorial appointees.

» Requiring state Senate confirmation of Supreme Court appointees.

» Eliminating party labels from the primary ballot.

Proposed change in speeding law likely won’t affect enforcement

June 27, 2010, Marion Star

BY JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

Getting a speeding ticket based on radar is bad enough. But what about one based on a police officer’s observations?

A recently publicized development in state law means police officers need no more than a trained eye to issue a speeding ticket. A state lawmaker fears this leaves a door wide open to abuses in the system.

Passing legislation requiring officers to use a mechanical device while issuing speeding tickets will take some time, however — the General Assembly is on summer recess.

Stevens was an advocate for women, minorities

Apr. 11, 2010, Marion Star

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has a legacy of standing up for women's rights, the disabled and minorities, Ohio court watchers said. However, others characterized him as someone who cannot be labeled.

Stevens announced Friday he would retire from the U.S. Supreme Court at the end of this term. President Gerald R. Ford appointed Stevens in 1975.

He handled emergency matters for the 6^th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, meaning his desk was one of the final stops for Ohio death row inmates seeking a stay of execution.