Candidate Details
- Residence
Gahanna - Email
laurelbeatty@hotmail.com - Social Media
linkedin.com/in/laurel-beatty-blunt - Age
50 - Occupation
Judge - Education
Vanderbilt University School of Law Nashville, Tennessee
Doctor of Jurisprudence, May 1999
Honors and Activities: Moot Court Competition Semi-Finalist, Fall 1997; Moot Court Competition Associate Justice for the Intramural Competition, Fall 1998; Vanderbilt University School of Law Juvenile Justice Legal Clinic, 1998-1999; Vice-President, Black Law Students Association, 1998-1999; Women Law Students Association; YWCA Domestic Violence ProgramSpelman College Atlanta, Georgia
B.A. Psychology, magna cum laude, May 1996
Honors and Activities: Dean's List, all semesters; Mortar Board Senior Honor Society; Golden Key National Honor Society. - Work Experience
Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals Columbus, Ohio
2019 – Present
2022 Administrative Judge
2023 Presiding Judge
Judge: Presides over appeals from Franklin County Common Pleas Court General, Probate, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions. The Court of Appeals also hears appeals from the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Ohio Court of Claims, and administrative appeals from some state agencies. As Administrative Judge in 2022 during a time of significant change with COVID-19 and judge turnover, Judge Beatty Blunt led the development of the Court’s Pro Se Actions: Guide to Self-Representation and the Court’s Orientation Guide for New Judges. Judge Beatty Blunt was honored to be selected to sit with the Supreme Court of Ohio by assignment in 2022.University of Michigan, Ford School of Public Policy Ann Arbor, Michigan
Fall 2022 Course: Supreme Court of the United States
Fall 2023 Course: State and Local Courts
Towsley Policymaker in Residence: In 2022, Judge Beatty Blunt taught master’s level public policy students about the Supreme Court of the United States. Using Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, she instructed students about the nomination process, legal briefs, oral arguments, legal decisions, and policy implications of Supreme Court of the United States’ decisions. Selected for a second semester, Judge Beatty Blunt taught State and Local Courts for the Fall 2023 semester. The course covers the unique qualities of and issues exclusive to state courts including court administration, judicial selection and the trial process.Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
2009 – 2019
Judge: Presided over civil cases where the amount in dispute was above $15,000, felony criminal cases, and administrative appeals. Adjudicated over more than 10,000 cases including 15 designated as complex litigation. Presided over more than 100 criminal and civil jury trials and numerous bench trials. Served as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee and as a Member on the Personnel, Criminal, Technology and Rules Committees. - Family
N/A - Affiliations
● National Bar Association, Member
● American Bar Association, Member
● Ohio Black Judges Association, Founding Member
● Ohio State Bar Association, Member
● Columbus Bar Association, Member
● Ohio Women’s Bar Association, Member
● Ohio Appellate Court Judges Association, Member
● John Mercer Langston Bar Association, Member
● Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Member
● National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Member
Laurel B Beatty Blunt
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals Columbus, Ohio 2019 – Present
2022 Administrative Judge
2023 Presiding JudgeJudge: Presides over appeals from Franklin County Common Pleas Court General, Probate, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions. The Court of Appeals also hears appeals from the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Ohio Court of Claims, and administrative appeals from some state agencies. As Administrative Judge in 2022 during a time of significant change with COVID-19 and judge turnover, Judge Beatty Blunt led the development of the Court’s Pro Se Actions: Guide to Self-Representation and the Court’s Orientation Guide for New Judges. Judge Beatty Blunt was honored to be selected to sit with the Supreme Court of Ohio by assignment in 2022.
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Gen. Div. Columbus, Ohio
2009 – 2019
Judge: Presided over civil cases where the amount in dispute was above $15,000, felony criminal cases, and administrative appeals. Adjudicated over more than 10,000 cases including 15 designated as complex litigation. Presided over more than 100 criminal and civil jury trials and numerous bench trials. Served as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee and as a Member on the Personnel, Criminal, Technology and Rules Committees.
Abbreviated Candidate Answers
Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals Columbus, Ohio 2019 – Present
2022 Administrative Judge
2023 Presiding JudgeJudge: Presides over appeals from Franklin County Common Pleas Court General, Probate, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions. The Court of Appeals also hears appeals from the Franklin County Municipal Court, the Ohio Court of Claims, and administrative appeals from some state agencies. As Administrative Judge in 2022 during a time of significant change with COVID-19 and judge turnover, Judge Beatty Blunt led the development of the Court’s Pro Se Actions: Guide to Self-Representation and the Court’s Orientation Guide for New Judges. Judge Beatty Blunt was honored to be selected to sit with the Supreme Court of Ohio by assignment in 2022.
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Gen. Div.
2009 – 2019
Judge: Presided over civil cases where the amount in dispute was above $15,000, felony criminal cases, and administrative appeals. Adjudicated over more than 10,000 cases including 15 designated as complex litigation. Presided over more than 100 criminal and civil jury trials and numerous bench trials. Served as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee and as a Member on the Personnel, Criminal, Technology and Rules Committees.
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My non-judicial legal experience has provided me with a diverse and well-rounded foundation to serve as a judge. I have worked on both the plaintiffs’ and defense sides, which has given me the ability to fairly assess cases from multiple perspectives. My experience spans both large and small law firms, where I have handled a wide variety of legal areas, allowing me to navigate complex legal issues with confidence. Beyond the courtroom, I actively serve my community by leveraging my legal knowledge to educate the public about civics, voting, and the legal system. Through social media, speaking engagements, and educational workshops, I use my platform to promote civic engagement and help people understand how the law affects their daily lives. This commitment to community education strengthens my role as a judge and reinforces my dedication to public service.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersMy non-judicial legal experience has provided me with a diverse and well-rounded foundation to serve as a judge. I have worked on both the plaintiffs’ and defense sides, which has given me the ability to fairly assess cases from multiple perspectives. My experience spans both large and small law firms, where I have handled a wide variety of legal areas, allowing me to navigate complex legal issues with confidence. Beyond the courtroom, I actively serve my community by leveraging my legal knowledge to educate the public about civics, voting, and the legal system. Through social media, speaking engagements, and educational workshops, I use my platform to promote civic engagement and help people understand how the law affects their daily lives. This commitment to community education strengthens my role as a judge and reinforces my dedication to public service.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running to keep my position as a judge because I believe in the vital role that courts play in ensuring fairness, justice, and accountability in our society. Serving as a judge has allowed me to uphold the rule of law while treating everyone who appears before the court with respect, dignity, and impartiality. I am committed to ensuring that each case is evaluated on its merits and that all individuals are given a fair opportunity to be heard.
I am also deeply invested in the community, using my platform to educate the public on important issues like civics, voting, and the legal system. By running to retain my seat, I seek to continue making decisions that are rooted in legal principles, free of bias, and focused on upholding justice. My dedication to the law and to serving the public drives me to remain on the bench, and I look forward to continuing my service with the same fairness and integrity that have guided me throughout my career.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI am running to keep my position as a judge because I believe in the vital role that courts play in ensuring fairness, justice, and accountability in our society. Serving as a judge has allowed me to uphold the rule of law while treating everyone who appears before the court with respect, dignity, and impartiality. I am committed to ensuring that each case is evaluated on its merits and that all individuals are given a fair opportunity to be heard.
I am also deeply invested in the community, using my platform to educate the public on important issues like civics, voting, and the legal system. By running to retain my seat, I seek to continue making decisions that are rooted in legal principles, free of bias, and focused on upholding justice. My dedication to the law and to serving the public drives me to remain on the bench, and I look forward to continuing my service with the same fairness and integrity that have guided me throughout my career.