In my travels around the state, I so often hear that Ohioans want to have confidence again in their courts. They want a fair, open, and balanced justice system in which to resolve disputes and protect their rights. The public wants judges who will follow the Constitution and the law, not the dictates of special interests. The public wants an impartial judge, not a legislator in a black robe.
It has been my honor to serve the people of Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Portage, and Trumbull Counties as a judge on the Eleventh District Court of Appeals. I have brought to that position a different background and perspective forged in the crucible of twenty five years representing working families, children at risk and small business owners. I became a judge the old fashioned way by first laying a foundation, learning my trade through my law practice in the trenches of both state and federal courts which took me to all levels of the justice system across the state from small claims court to the Ohio Supreme Court.
I am not a career elected official nor did I rely on those politically well connected to achieve my position as either state bar president or judge; rather I relied on individuals who believed in independent thought, fidelity to the constitution and precedent, and shared my passion for the law and court reform to help me attain positions where I could make a difference.
As a state & national bar leader and during my tenure as our court’s Presiding and Administrative judge, I have been able to effect positive changes in my profession and the judicial system. I want to continue that work for another term.
I invite you to regularly visit our website and the Judge Mary Jane Trapp page on Facebook to learn more about our judicial system and read about current legal reform topics.