Former Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Patricia A. Blackmon was the first African American woman elected to that Bench.Judge Blackmon was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1976. She helped organize the first law firm in the state comprised of African American women – Johnson, Keenan, and Blackmon. She also served as the chief prosecutor for the city of Cleveland.On her last day in office, February 10, 2021, Judge Blackmon participated in a Zoom conversation arranged by the Cuyahoga County Court on Common Pleas as part of the Court's Black History Month celebration. She was introduced by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart.We hope you enjoy the conversation!

On The Record: The Podcast of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court

Judge Patricia Blackmon

Judge Brendan Sheehan began a two-year term as the Court&apos;s Administrative Judge in January 2020. Judge Sheehan talks with host Darren Toms about his career, his thoughts on the Court, and what the future could hold.

Judge Brendan J. Sheehan

Judge John J. Russo looks back on his six years as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. He served as AJ/PJ from January 2014 to December 2019.

Judge John J. Russo Ends Term As Administrative Judge

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is developing a pilot Domestic Violence Docket designed to help both the victim and defendant avoid potential future incidents. Judge Sherrie Miday and host Darren Toms discuss the docket, how the funding was obtained, and what the Judge hopes will be a model for other courts.

Domestic Violence Docket

The Pro Bono Project provides legal advice on civil matters to people who are also dealing with criminal cases. In many instances, a person with a criminal case faces issues such as eviction, child custody, and even driving privileges. Judge Joan Synenberg, who presides over our Recovery Court, was instrumental in getting the Pro Bono Project started when she noticed some of the civil issues her defendants were facing.

The Pro Bono Project

Judge Joan Synenberg talks with host Darren Toms about Recovery Court, a specialty docket that treats people with a dual diagnosis of addiction and related trauma.

Recovery Court

Cuyahoga County Adult Probation Training Specialist Brad Schleter looks at how the probation department has changed over the years. What was once a program designed to punish people, probation has evolved into a method of helping people overcome their mistakes and become productive members of society. Community Control Sanctions, as probation is now known, uses evidence-based practices to find the best ways to help the clients.

Probation and Evidence-Based Practices

Judge Michael E. Jackson retired in early January, 2019, after six years on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench. He spoke with host Darren Toms about his education, military and law careers and time on the bench. Judge Jackson also talks about Veterans Treatment Court, the docket he helped create and was appointed to preside over.

Judge Michael Jackson

Judge Stuart Friedman retired in early January, 2019, after three decades on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench. He spoke with host Darren Toms about his education, law career and time on the bench. Judge Friedman also discussed the two things he&apos;s most proud of during his time as a Judge.

Judge Stuart Friedman

Judge Carolyn Friedland retired in January of 2019, and looked back on what she calls "a great job." Judge Friedland  spent 30 years on the Bench, and she speaks with host Darren Toms about her education, career, and why she became a Judge.

Judge Carolyn Friedland

After nearly three decades on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bench, Judge Janet Burnside retired at the end of 2018. Judge Burnside discusses her career, the justice system, and what advice she has for young attorneys.

Judge Janet R. Burnside

CCS Executive Director Paul Klodor discusses how the non-profit organization helps clients perform their court-ordered community service.

Court Community Service

Judge Michael E. Jackson talks with host Darren Toms about the Veterans Treatment Court, which strives to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the unique tools they need to lead a more productive and law-abiding life.

Veterans Treatment Court

It&apos;s the jobs of our dedicated staff of court reporters to maintain an accurate record of every hearing that takes place. Head Court Reporter Bruce Bishilany talks with host Darren Toms about the role of the court reporters, the training they need, and why their job is so important.

Court Reporters

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo talks about Re-Entry Court and how it helps inmates who are ready to transition back into society.

Re-Entry Court

Conversation about the Court and how it operates.

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On The Record: The Podcast of the Cuyahoga County Common Ple...

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