Ohio Revised Code
Chapter 3 | Officer; Oaths; Bonds
Section 3.23 | Contents of Oath of Office.

Effective: March 29, 2007
Latest Legislation: House Bill 699 - 126th General Assembly
The oath of office of each judge of a court of record shall be to support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, to administer justice without respect to persons, and faithfully and impartially to discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on the person as such judge, according to the best of the person's ability and understanding. The oath of office of every other officer, deputy, or clerk shall be to support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and faithfully to discharge the duties of the office.
Except for justices of the supreme court as provided in section 2701.05 of the Revised Code, each judge of a court of record shall take the oath of office on or before the first day of the judge's official term. The judge shall transmit a certificate of oath, signed by the person administering the oath, to the clerk of the respective court and shall transmit a copy of the certificate of oath to the supreme court. The certificate of oath shall state the term of office for that judge, including the beginning and ending dates of that term. If the certificate of oath is not transmitted to the clerk of the court within twenty days from the first day of the judge's official term, the judge is deemed to have refused to accept the office, and that office shall be considered vacant. The clerk of the court forthwith shall certify that fact to the governor and the governor shall fill the vacancy.
The oath of office of a judge under this section shall be taken in a form that is substantially similar to the following:
"I, (name), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Ohio, will administer justice without respect to persons, and will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all of the duties incumbent upon me as (name of office) according to the best of my ability and understanding. [This I do as I shall answer unto God.]"

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