Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Julia L. Dorrian served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments on whether a criminal defendant was found guilty based on insufficient evidence, violating the defendant’s constitutional rights.

Judge Dorrian replaced Justice Melody J. Stewart, who recused herself from State of Ohio v. Sheila A. McFarland, (Case No. 2018-1116).

According to the Ohio Constitution, in the event of a recusal by a justice the chief justice can select any of the 69 sitting Ohio appellate court judges to sit temporarily on the Supreme Court.

Judge Dorrian took the appeals court bench on Jan. 2, 2011. Previously, she presided for nearly seven years as a Franklin County Municipal Court judge. She also worked as an attorney with Bricker & Eckler.

Judge Dorrian received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and her master’s and law degrees from Ohio State University. She was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on May 12, 1997.

This is the second time Judge Dorrian has served as a visiting judge on the Court.

“It’s terrific to sit down with these smart and thorough people who take this very seriously,” Judge Dorrian said. “I appreciate the opportunity to deliberate with them, to think the issues through with them, and do our best to ensure justice.”

The Tenth District Court of Appeals serves Franklin County and hears cases from county, municipal, and common pleas courts. In addition, the court hears original actions in habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, procedendo, and quo warranto. The court also hears appeals from the Ohio Court of Claims.