The Chief Justice takes seriously the impact the Court’s decisions have on Ohio’s employers and employees. His opinions have also displayed a strong respect for the separation of powers. For example, when a majority of the court voted to find a drug-free workplace bill unconstitutional in 2002, Moyer took the majority to task:

“Missing from this rationale for its conclusion is any expression of concern by the majority for the workers whose health and safety may be jeopardized by the errant conduct of another employee who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Why the extraordinary concern for an employee whose conduct may suggest a drug test is warranted at the expense of other employees whose conduct is appropriate?”

Regarding his own judicial philosophy, Moyer says, “I firmly believe in stare decisis – that a judge is required to follow legal precedent. Predictability and consistency are basic key products of the rule of law. They promote orderly conduct. Law should not be static, but it should develop incrementally. If citizens believe the courts are unpredictable; if they believe court decisions do not rest on principle, they will lose faith and the ability to maintain the rule of law will suffer.”

Born in Sandusky, Ohio, Moyer received a B.A. in political science from The Ohio State University in 1961. He continued his education at OSU and received his juris doctor in 1964. Before becoming chief justice, he served eight years as a judge of the 10th District Court of Appeals, four years as executive assistant to Governor James Rhodes, and eight years in the private practice of law in Columbus.

As Chief Justice, Moyer has helped to shape several administrative initiatives, including new programs to allow citizens more ways to resolve their disputes at less cost and in a reasonable time; changes in rules governing the conduct of lawyers and judges, and developing education programs to further children’s understanding of Ohio’s justice system. He also chairs the national Committee on Emergency Preparedness in the Courts for the Conference of Chief Justices. He has worked with judicial leaders of a number of countries, including Ukraine and Argentina, to improve their system for the administration of justice and the rule of law.