Judge Linda Teodosio, Justice Melody Stewart, and the Hon. Maureen O'Connor standing next to the retired chief justice's commemorative banner.

Judge Linda Teodosio, Justice Melody Stewart, and the Hon. Maureen O'Connor standing next to the retired chief justice's commemorative banner.

Retired Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is honored this month for her historic career in the same community where she began her nearly four decades in public service.

A banner commemorating O’Connor was recently unveiled at Summit County Juvenile Court. It details her accomplishments as part of an annual tradition by the juvenile court during Women’s History Month. Past banners recognized civil rights leaders Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.

“I think this banner represents something beyond my career. I think it’s important for boys and men to see this,” she said. “They can see that girls and women can do and dare and dream and achieve; that they are equal and capable of doing anything they want, including public service.”

O’Connor was member of the Supreme Court’s first woman majority bench after joining as an associate justice in 2003. She went on to be the first woman elected to be chief justice of the Supreme Court and was the longest-serving woman to hold Ohio statewide office before her retirement at the end of 2022. In her early career, O’Connor served Summit County as a magistrate, common pleas judge, and prosecutor. O’Connor’s 38 years as a public servant helped pave the way for other women and people of color in the state justice system.

“The vast majority of judges in Summit County are now women. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition,” said Summit County Juvenile Judge Linda Teodosio, who hosted the unveiling.

Justice Melody Stewart also spoke at the event and acknowledged how the retired chief justice helped advance the justice system across Ohio. She began the Court’s technology grant program to improve efficiency, accessibility, and safety for state courts.

O’Connor also introduced bail reform, spearheaded uniform felony sentencing entries, and pushed to revise the conviction process. She set a standard for Ohio judges, encouraging others to look for ways they can improve courts and the service they provide to their communities.

“Chief Justice O’Connor is a consummate public servant who has always believed in an independent judiciary,” said Justice Stewart. “She never lost sight that those of us on the bench took an oath to the Constitution, to uphold the laws of the state of Ohio, and to serve the citizens of this state.”