Summit County, Ohio: Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher’s Domestic Violence Court has earned final re-certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.

Specialized court dockets are dedicated to offenders charged with specific types of offenses that use a combination of holding offenders accountable for their actions while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior.

Judge Gallagher stated, “The first felony Domestic Violence Court in the State of Ohio began in my courtroom on October 3, 2011. I am proud of the successes of the court and especially upon receiving our final re-certification.”

The Summit County Domestic Violence Court is a collaborative effort involving the Summit County Adult Probation Department, Summit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties, the Victim Assistance Program and Summit Psychological Associates, Inc.

“Through the court’s interventions and collaboration, we have had a lot of success addressing the cycle of violence. With re-certification, we can continue to make an impact in our community by holding offenders accountable and promoting the safety of victims,” concluded Judge Gallagher.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated Judge Gallagher for receiving final re-certification. “Specialized dockets divert offenders toward criminal justice initiatives that employ tools and tailored services to treat and rehabilitate the offender so they can become productive members of society,” said Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. “Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars.”

The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is headed by the specialized docket judge.

The Commission on Specialized Dockets has 22 members who advise the Supreme Court and its staff regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning specialized dockets in Ohio courts; the development and delivery of specialized docket services to Ohio courts; and the creation of training programs for judges and court personnel. The commission makes all decisions regarding final certification.