Brian Moriarty for the 8th District Court of Appeals.
We have learned a lot from our past campaigns and have positioned ourselves well for this election. In our last campaign we garnered almost 170,000 votes and won almost 2/3rds of the municipalities in Cuyahoga County. If we can hold these numbers, activate and expand our network, and advance in a few cities, 2010 will be a very exciting year.
One of the reasons I believe we have done so well is that we got a message across. Experience in all facets of the legal community and experience in the appellate court actually means something. Having a popular last name or party affiliation should not be a deciding factor.
After graduating from Baldwin Wallace and then Cleveland Marshall Law School, I worked from 1994-1998 in the Court of Appeals for Judges David T. Matia and Michael Corrigan. I researched and drafted hundreds of opinions and learned - first hand - how the court works from the inside.
I have been proud to be the legal representative of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association since 1994. Since 1998, I have been a sole practitioner and have acted as a defense attorney in criminal cases and have represented individuals, businesses and organizations in civil litigation. Unlike some (if not most) individuals who run for judge, I actually have both civil and criminal jury trial experience (misdemeanor and felony trials). Moreover, I have been a Magistrate and Acting Judge for the Rocky River Municipal Court since 2002 and I have been the Prosecutor for the City of North Ridgeville since 2004. I have experience in a variety of roles within the legal system.
What I have always concentrated on was appellate work. Why? I love appellate practice. It is something I am drawn to. Ever since being on the moot court team in law school and throughout my career, I have been involved in hundreds – if not thousands - of administrative, state, and federal appeals. I have had appellate arguments throughout the State of Ohio, in the Ohio Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit Federal Court. Recently, I was fortunate enough to argue before the entire 6th Circuit en banc. It was 30-45 minutes of questioning by a panel of 15 federal judges and a great experience.
It is my experience as an attorney as well as my appellate experience that sets me apart from my opponent. It is why I believe I understand what the proper role for the appellate court is in both our legal system and community. We are there to enforce the laws, not create them. If you don’t agree with the laws as written, then go to Columbus, that’s where the changes are made – not here. Importantly, we have to provide a consistent application of the laws which is something that I think is lacking with our court.
This consistent application of the law is important to our legal system where clients – both individual and corporate – need to be able to rely upon certain rules and regulations. These same individuals, businesses, and municipalities base their decisions and conduct upon what they believe is the law in our district. The appellate court plays an important role in our legal system and effects the entire community. Having an unpredictable court or a court whose outcomes depends upon which panels are drawn is something I will fight against. With my legal and appellate experience, I will be a positive influence on our Court and community.
We are seeking your support and assistance. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Brian Moriarty
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