Ohio Code § 3.23

Ohio Code § 3.23. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 3.23.

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.]”

Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 3.23
  • Jurisdiction: Ohio
  • Code: Ohio Revised Code
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 3.23?

The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 3.23 address?

It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Ohio Revised Code § 3.23 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.