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Ohio Supreme Court
focus: “Interpreting” not “legislating”
By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
www.darkecountyseniors.us
Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court
Robert R. Cupp speaks to
assembled Darke County Republicans at the recent Lincoln Day Dinner.
(L. Bliss photo)
“Our Constitution is on display, the ink is faded, but the beliefs live
on, that our rights come from God, not governments. That government’s
job is to protect our God given rights.” said Supreme Court of Ohio
(SCO) Justice Robert R. Cupp as he spoke to those assembled at the
Greenville Country Club for the Darke County Republican Party’s annual
Lincoln Day Dinner. Justice Cupp addressed a sizeable crowd, in spite
of this being an “off” election year.
JoEllen Melling sang the Star Spangled Banner, Commissioner Mike
Stegall started the Pledge of Allegiance and Representative Richard
Adams (R-79) provided the invocation.
Each year, donors sponsor tickets to be used by high school students.
This year there were students in attendance from Greenville, Ansonia
and Franklin Monroe High Schools.
There were numerous Republican elected officials in attendance and
representatives for others who were unable to attend. A letter was read
from Jesse Green, Republican candidate for Municipal Judge, conveying
his regrets for not being present as he was attending a training
exercise with the Ohio National Guard. Current Darke County Republican
candidates who were in attendance were Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers,
Greenville City Auditor Nancy Myers, and candidate for First Ward of
Greenville City Council, Kate Buchy Kerg.
On behalf of the Darke County Republican Central Committee, its
Officers presented special certificates of appreciation and gifts to
Central Committee Chairman Dave Keiser and Executive Committee Chairman
Cindy Pike. The two were recognized for the time and commitment they
have devoted to being leaders of the Central and Executive Committees
of the Darke County Republican Party and for their continual support
of, and work toward, the values and goals of the Republican Party.
Representative Jim Buchy (R-77) introduced Justice Cupp, who was the
featured speaker of the evening. Justice Cupp has served on the SCO
since his election in 2006. Prior to that, he was Ohio Senator for
Darke County for 16 years. Justice Cupp and Representative Buchy traded
some good natured jibes during which Justice Cupp compared Buchy to the
Energizer Bunny – ‘he just keeps going, and going’.
Justice Cupp explained that Justice Terrance O’Donnell was unable to
attend because he was helping the family of recently deceased Chief
Justice Moyer hold a memorial ceremony and had requested to be relieved
of his appearance in Darke County.
Justice Cupp said that the SCO decides 2,300 cases a year – 45 percent
without attorney representation. The U.S. Supreme Court decides 70 – 90
annually. Justice Cupp commented upon guidelines for judicial conduct
and public comments. He explained that this is the second time in the
history of Ohio that there has been a female majority on the SCO. He
said that the current bench believes in interpreting and applying the
law, not re-writing or legislating it – that there is much more to
being a judge than just “pick one” in reaching a decision.
Justice Cupp cited the motto above the entry to the U.S. Supreme Court:
“Equal Justice Under Law” and said the concept is achieved by following
the rule of law and applying it to each individual. That justice is the
end purpose of government.
Justice Cupp provided an eloquent and studied presentation to the group
regarding what our founding fathers had in mind when they established
the United States and some of the issues they debated and how they were
eventually resolved. He also elaborated extensively about Lincoln’s
part in the history of the United States.
As part of his summation, Justice Cupp quoted Lincoln, “It is for this
the struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our
birthright... The nation is worth fighting for.” That the
obligation is on us to pass on to our children and grandchildren.
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