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Former Cuyahoga County Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze Sentenced to 60 days in Jail and $10,000 Fine Reporting by The Marshall Project - Cleveland leads to sentencing of former longtime Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze for steering work to a friend.

https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2026/06/ex-judge-leslie-celebrezze-sentenced-to-60-days-in-jail-for-records-tampering.html

Ex-Cuyahoga County judge Leslie Celebrezze sentenced to 60 days in jail The ex-Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations judge pleaded guilty to records tampering earlier this year.

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2026/05/this-program-changes-lives-how-one-court-is-giving-veterans-a-second-chance.html

The remarkable Cleveland court keeping veterans out of prison — and what happens inside Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Court aims to keep former military members accused of crimes out of prison with an intensive probation-style program that focuses on mental health and sobriety.

The Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition has released its evaluations for candidates in a contested race for the Court of Common Pleas – General Division in Cuyahoga County.

These ratings are designed to give voters clear, objective insight from attorneys who regularly practice in local courtrooms, helping inform decisions ahead of the May 5 primary election.

Explore the full ratings and candidate information at Judge4Yourself.com and make your vote count with confidence.

SPOTLIGHT ON A RACE: The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas General Division candidate ratings from the various bar associations for the May 5, 2026 primary are out! (Early voting is underway!) There is one contested primary on the Democratic side—incumbent Judge William Vodrey versus challenger Assistant County Prosecuting Attorney James Gallagher. The ratings are linked in the comments. Please share this with your fellow Cuyahoga County voters.

A long-standing tradition of evaluating judicial candidates continues to evolve.

The Judicial Candidates Ratings Coalition has adopted updates to the Judge4Yourself process designed to enhance fairness, accountability, and clarity in how candidates are reviewed.

These improvements will shape how judicial candidates are assessed in the upcoming election cycle and support more informed decision-making by the public.

Read more on our blog: https://www.clemetrobar.org/?pg=CMBABlog&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=140215

Melody J. Stewart — a true trailblazer in Ohio’s legal and civic life. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Justice Stewart didn’t just break barriers… she shattered them.

🎓 From being the first African American student elected student body president at Beaumont School to earning her Bachelor of Music, J.D., and Ph.D., her path reflects courage, resilience, and lifelong learning.

🧑‍⚖️ In 2018, she made history as the first African American woman elected to the Supreme Court of Ohio — and the first African American woman elected to any statewide office in Ohio.

🗳️ Continuing her commitment to public service, Justice Stewart now serves as a Board Member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, where she works to ensure fair, accurate, and transparent elections. She joins Chairman Henry F Curtis as two of the five African Americans serving as Board Members on county election boards in the state of Ohio — a powerful example of continued representation in civic institutions.

🌟 Beyond milestones and titles, Stewart’s life reminds us that dreams rooted in determination can change the world. Let’s celebrate her legacy and the many others who have paved the way for future generations.

Patricia Ann Blackmon, a groundbreaking jurist whose distinguished career has left a lasting impact on Ohio’s legal community.

Judge Blackmon made history as the first African American woman elected to an Ohio Court of Appeals, serving with honor on the Eighth District Court of Appeals for an extraordinary 30 years across five terms. Her tenure on the bench was marked by integrity, scholarship, and a deep commitment to justice.

A Cleveland native, Judge Blackmon graduated magna cm laude and went on to build a career defined by both excellence and firsts. Before joining the appellate court, she served as a chief prosecutor for the City of Cleveland and broke new ground as the city’s first night prosecutor — demonstrating early on her dedication to public service and innovation within the justice system.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Blackmon has been a respected educator, mentor, and advocate, sharing her knowledge and perspective with students, attorneys, and the broader community. Her leadership has opened doors and expanded representation within Ohio’s judiciary, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in law and public service.

We celebrate Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon’s remarkable legacy — a legacy built on courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law.

Political Dynasty Tarnished as Former Judge Celebrezze Pleads Guilty to Tampering Political Dynasty Tarnished as Former Judge Celebrezze Pleads Guilty to Tampering - Cleveland Scene

https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2026/01/cuyahoga-county-common-pleas-court-gets-new-leader-unveils-renovated-jury-room.html

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court gets new leader, unveils renovated jury room Judge Michael Shaughnessy became the administrative judge as the court unveiled modernized jury facilities with airport lounge-like amenities and improved technology.