Justice Speeches

Justice Alice Robie Resnick

Remarks for First Session in New Ohio Judicial Center Building

March 16, 2004

Thank you, Chief Justice Moyer, Associate Justices, and all in attendance, for the opportunity to provide a few thoughts on this significant occasion - our first session in this beautifully renovated and refurbished historic building.

This building speaks for itself as a testimony to the importance of our legal system in our lives. Now, for the first time in the more than 200 year history of our state, this court has its own individual place to call home. This move recognizes that the judiciary, as one of the three distinct branches of government, deserves its own space to signify and preserve its independence, rather than sharing space with the other branches of government.

Some years ago, in early 1989, long before anyone considered that it may be an appropriate structure to house the court, I often admired this building as I would wait for a red light to turn on to Front Street in leaving Columbus for Toledo. To me it was majestic, in spite of the fact that the marble exterior was crumbling. The thought suddenly occurred to me that it would be wonderful if the Supreme Court might someday be able to have a building like that, with character and an unmistakable presence. I remarked, with no particular expectation that the suggestion would ever be acted on, to the then administrative director of the Supreme Court that someone should look into the possibility of the court acquiring the building and moving there. At the time, I had no idea that there was a hearing room of such stateliness within the building that it would be a perfect fit for the purpose it now serves. Whenever I reflect back, I am surprised that my spontaneous reaction at that time many years ago to this building has proven to be an accurate prediction of its eventual use.

If the Chief Justice and others had not had the foresight to save this Ohio treasure, I fear it might have some day faced the wrecking ball due to neglect. What a terrible waste that would have been.

When I was a practicing attorney, more years ago than I might want to remember, I had the opportunity to argue many cases before the Supreme Court of Ohio in the old courtroom in the statehouse annex - which was the court\'s home from 1901 to 1974. That was a fitting setting for the court to hear oral arguments, with its high ceiling, wood paneling and velvet drapery. I must admit that when I first saw the courtroom that followed that one, on the third floor of the Rhodes Tower, I was disappointed. It seemed cold and sterile, with no sense of dignity or majesty. Now, with this building and this courtroom, it is as if the court, after a hiatus, has returned to where it belongs.

When a visitor enters this building, the message conveyed is that this is not just an ordinary place, but instead is a place where extraordinary things - things that matter to all Ohioans - occur. It is fitting that this court should be housed in a building that suggests the majesty of the law to all Ohioans.

This building does not belong only to the Justices who sit behind this bench today, nor does it belong only to the attorneys who argue here, or only to the clients those attorneys represent. This building belongs to all the citizens of Ohio. It is truly the people of this state who benefit by its function as the focal point of the judicial branch of government for Ohio.

We on the court may be the stewards of this building for today, but we merely hold it in trust, for it is without doubt a building for the people, remarkably well-suited for the purpose it serves. From the library on the top floors to the visitor\'s center at the ground level, it will serve well to house the court itself and the affiliated offices that will call it home.

Yes, this courtroom is impressive and maybe somewhat intimidating, but in a good way. This courtroom, and this entire building, is also welcoming. It beckons visitors to enter and appreciate the quality and workmanship of what lies inside its walls. It represents the work ethic and artistry of those who first built it and of those who have returned it to its former brilliance.

As I witnessed the work on this building progressing, I was impressed every time I set foot in it by the dedication and sense of purpose displayed by the many workers who played a part in its resurrection. It was refreshing to observe the obvious pride those workers took in their assorted tasks. It was as if each worker appreciated the magnitude of the restoration that was occurring, and sincerely believed in the importance of the undertaking. All we need to do is to look around to see the value of their finished product.

As this building has been redefined and reinvigorated, its historical symbolism and architectural significance link our state\'s past to its present and to our future. This building sends a message of the things we value as a society. All of us are privileged to enjoy it and at the same time obligated to treasure it.

Thank you.