Melba Marsh

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
In 1989, I was elected to the Hamilton County Municipal Court “The People’s Court.” My Municipal Court judgeship extended seven years prior to being elected to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. In 1996, I was elected to the Court of Common Pleas and have been re-elected three consecutive terms: 2002, 2008 and 2014. In my 23 years of serving on the Common Pleas Court, I have had the privilege of leading this Court twice as its Presiding Judge. In addition, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. Moyer appointed me to serve as a member of the Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness in the Courts.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney for over 11 years, I tackled cases spanning the gamut of criminal prosecution from Driving Under the Influence to homicide case through the Juvenile, Municipal and Common Pleas Court divisions. I have also served as a Lecturer at both the University of Cincinnati and the College of Mount St. Joseph teaching “Business Law” courses.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am proud to have served the people of Hamilton County for over 30 years as judge. I truly care about what happens to the people who come before me in court. I constantly strive to bring to the bench a balanced perspective of not only addressing the concerns of victims but also making appropriate decisions regarding criminal offenders.

I realize that a case doesn’t always end with my making a decision. As well as confinement, I make it my business to become involved in the issues of rehabilitation. I seek out and assess recommendations and evaluate mental health and treatment options. I also utilize outside agencies that are available to the Court as much or more than any judge on this bench. I am always aware that cases must be resolved in a timely manner. This cannot always be accomplished unless time is given them.

To all civil litigants, I routinely make mediation available which gives civil parties the opportunity to discuss their issues, clear up misunderstandings, and find areas of common ground in a way that would never be possible in a full court litigation. Everyday, I strive to bring honor to this great office to which I have been trusted and to treat all people with dignity and respect.