Thomas J. Moyer

Thomas J. Moyer was born on April 18, 1939 in Sandusky, Ohio. He has been chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court since 1987. Moyer is a Republican.

On the Court

Moyer has presided over matters of great importance on the Supreme Court, including the DeRolph decision dealing with school funding and the late-nineties fight over tort reform. He's also seen fellow justices have some tough times, including a 1991 scuffle between then associate justices Craig Wright and Andy Douglas; Alice Robie Resnick's 2005 arrest for drunk driving, which was followed closely by the theft of a paper bag containing $18,000 from the car of associate justice Terrence O'Donnell. Eyebrows were raised.

Related Topics:
Tort reform - 1991 - Craig Wright - Andy Douglas - Alice Robie Resnick - 2005 - Arrest - Drunk driving - Terrence O'Donnell

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Although he is a Republican, Moyer is viewed now as frequently aiding decisions made when the court was controlled by Democrats because of his strong belief in the principles of stare decisis. In 2001, he created a task force on guardians ad litem in Ohio, although it never seems to have gone anywhere.

Related Topics:
Democrats - Stare decisis - 2001

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In 2004, the court moved into a new, and substantially grander, quarters. Much controversey ensued over the cost; but, on May 15, 2004, it was dedicated by U.S. Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The court now posts their oral arguments online through RealPlayer.

Related Topics:
2004 - May 15 - William Rehnquist

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In 2005, Moyer created some controversey when he refused to order the flags outside the court lowered to half-staff in honor of the death of Pope John Paul II. He argued he could not based on separation of church and state.

Related Topics:
2005 - Pope John Paul II

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Moyer is married and lives in Columbus, with a summer home on Catawba Island. He has been reelected in 1992, 1998, and 2004.

Related Topics:
Columbus - Catawba Island - 1992 - 1998 - 2004

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