Ohio Supreme Court Justice Stratton Speaks at Capital

March 4, 2008

February 13, Capital Law students enrolled in the Appellate Advocacy class had the opportunity to hear from Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, H’99. Justice Stratton spoke about the importance of the appellate brief and the collaborative decision-making process of the Court.

Capital Law students wanting to participate on an appellate moot court team are required to complete Appellate Advocacy or Trial Advocacy if they are trying out for the mock trial team.

Justice Stratton's legal career began in the courtrooms of central Ohio where she gained valuable experience as a trial lawyer. In 1989, she became the first woman elected judge to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. As judge, she earned the nickname, "The Velvet Hammer," because of her tough approach to sentencing in serious felony cases. She is currently serving a second term on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Justice Stratton has devoted much energy to many professional and community activities. She led a national effort to reduce the time for appeals in the adoption process and she also has provided strong leadership as a member of the Board of Trustees for both the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Prevent Blindness Ohio. Her current efforts focus on mental health issues in the courts and the mentally ill who end up in the criminal system because they have no adequate community support to deal with their illness. She has been a national leader in establishing mental health courts and improving the partnership between courts, the mental health system and law enforcement.