From Kiev to Columbus: A Perspective on Judicial Independence
http://www.indianalawjournal.org/articles/46/1/From-Kiev-to-Columbus-A-Perspective-on-Judicial-Independence/Page1.html
Thomas J. Moyer
Thomas J. Moyer has been the Chief Justice of
Ohio since 1987 and currently serves as chair of the Task Force on Politics and
Judicial Elections for the Conference of Chief Justices, and on the board of
directors of the Justice at Stake Campaign, a national movement to support fair
and impartial courts. By Thomas J. Moyer
Published on 10/6/2007
I have had the opportunity to meet Oleksandr Potylachak, a
Justice of the Supreme Court of Ukraine who joined his colleagues in declaring
invalid the 2004 presidential election due to massive voter fraud. That
decision marked the first time the judiciary of a former East bloc country had
overturned the illegitimate action of a ruling political party.
It was a bold move; it was a courageous act. During a visit to Columbus, Ohio in March of 2005, Oleksandr described the fear of retaliation that accompanied the court's decision. The names of the twenty justices participating in the decision were not public; children were kept home from school until the fear subsided. . . . [for full article click the PDF below]
It was a bold move; it was a courageous act. During a visit to Columbus, Ohio in March of 2005, Oleksandr described the fear of retaliation that accompanied the court's decision. The names of the twenty justices participating in the decision were not public; children were kept home from school until the fear subsided. . . . [for full article click the PDF below]