Oct. 8, 2009
Chief Justice Visits Argentina
to Assist in Juvenile Justice Reform Efforts
As part of a U.S. State Department project to assist Argentina in the reform of its juvenile court system, Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer met with judges, prosecutors, defense counsel and non-government organizations this week in Buenos Aires.
In 2007, the Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina initiated a judicial modernization process, which involves access to justice, case management and court administration issues. Argentine officials invited Chief Justice Moyer to share ideas about Ohio’s juvenile justice system.
Chief Justice Moyer’s itinerary included meetings with Argentine Supreme Court justices, the Association of Judges and Judicial Officials of the National Judiciary, and the new U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, Vilma Martinez, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July. His trip also included several juvenile and family law-themed lectures to judges, public defenders, professors and college students.
“This trip is a recognition of the innovative and effective programs in Ohio that address issues ranging from juvenile delinquency to the timely placement of children in foster care,” Chief Justice Moyer said. “It is a tribute to the work of juvenile judges and their justice system partners in Ohio.”
This is not Chief Justice Moyer’s first visit to the South American country. In 2002, he was also invited by the State Department’s Speakers Bureau to share information and answer questions about the U.S. judiciary and the use of alternative dispute resolution by the courts.
Chief Justice Moyer routinely works with lawyers and judges in other countries as they develop independent judiciaries. After Ukraine gained its independence, he led efforts to introduce that country to the importance of the rule of law and continues to host delegations from Ukraine on a regular basis. Chief Justice Moyer also has worked with judicial leaders in China and Chile.
First elected in 1986, Chief Justice Moyer is serving his fourth term on the Supreme Court. His current term expires Dec. 31, 2010. He currently is the longest serving chief justice in the United States. His extensive public service career, which encompasses portions of five decades, has included service as an appeals court judge, executive assistant and deputy assistant to the governor, and as an Assistant Attorney General.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.