On The Record: The Podcast of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court

Re-Entry Court Apr 11, 2024

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo discusses the Re-Entry Court she has presided over for 15 years. The interview with Public Information Officer Darren Toms is part of the Court's Second Chance Month celebration.

Women's History Month: Judge Kathleen A. Sutula and Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold Mar 26, 2024

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, the Court is shining a spotlight on two veteran Judges who will be retiring at the end of the year. Judge Kathleen A. Sutula and Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold met in law school, and have been friends ever since. Each has worn a judicial robe for more than 30 years.

The two Judges sat down for a conversation about women in the law, the value of long-time friendships, and changes they have seen in the judicial system in the last three decades. You can stream it on the Court’s YouTube page.

The Saffold Family Legacy Feb 02, 2024

At the end of 2024, Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold will retire after 29 years on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench.
Two of her children are also Judges. Judge Jeffrey Saffold is on our Bench and Judge Sydney Saffold is with the Cleveland Municipal Court.
This is the first time all three have sat down together to discuss the Saffold family legacy.

They talked with Court Public Information Officer Darren Toms.

Judge Brian Corrigan Retirement Interview Dec 08, 2022

After 30 years on the Bench, Judge Brian Corrigan retires in January of 2023. Along with host Darren Toms, Judge Corrigan looks back at his career and how the judiciary has evolved in the last three decades.

Judge Dick Ambrose Dec 28, 2021

After 17 years on the Bench, Judge Dick Ambrose is retiring. He talks with Darren Toms about his time with the Court, playing for the Cleveland Browns, and what led him to a career in law after the NFL.

Judge Patricia Blackmon Feb 12, 2021

Former Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Patricia A. Blackmon was the first African American woman elected to that Bench.

Judge Blackmon was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1976. She helped organize the first law firm in the state comprised of African American women – Johnson, Keenan, and Blackmon. She also served as the chief prosecutor for the city of Cleveland.

On her last day in office, February 10, 2021, Judge Blackmon participated in a Zoom conversation arranged by the Cuyahoga County Court on Common Pleas as part of the Court's Black History Month celebration. She was introduced by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart.
We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Judge Brendan J. Sheehan Jan 28, 2020

Judge Brendan Sheehan began a two-year term as the Court's Administrative Judge in January 2020. Judge Sheehan talks with host Darren Toms about his career, his thoughts on the Court, and what the future could hold.

Judge John J. Russo Ends Term As Administrative Judge Dec 20, 2019

Judge John J. Russo looks back on his six years as Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. He served as AJ/PJ from January 2014 to December 2019.

Domestic Violence Docket Nov 01, 2019

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is developing a pilot Domestic Violence Docket designed to help both the victim and defendant avoid potential future incidents. Judge Sherrie Miday and host Darren Toms discuss the docket, how the funding was obtained, and what the Judge hopes will be a model for other courts.

The Pro Bono Project Jul 05, 2019

The Pro Bono Project provides legal advice on civil matters to people who are also dealing with criminal cases. In many instances, a person with a criminal case faces issues such as eviction, child custody, and even driving privileges. Judge Joan Synenberg, who presides over our Recovery Court, was instrumental in getting the Pro Bono Project started when she noticed some of the civil issues her defendants were facing.

Recovery Court Mar 29, 2019

Judge Joan Synenberg talks with host Darren Toms about Recovery Court, a specialty docket that treats people with a dual diagnosis of addiction and related trauma.

Probation and Evidence-Based Practices Feb 01, 2019

Cuyahoga County Adult Probation Training Specialist Brad Schleter looks at how the probation department has changed over the years. What was once a program designed to punish people, probation has evolved into a method of helping people overcome their mistakes and become productive members of society. Community Control Sanctions, as probation is now known, uses evidence-based practices to find the best ways to help the clients.

Judge Michael Jackson Dec 01, 2018

Judge Michael E. Jackson retired in early January, 2019, after six years on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench. He spoke with host Darren Toms about his education, military and law careers and time on the bench. Judge Jackson also talks about Veterans Treatment Court, the docket he helped create and was appointed to preside over.

Judge Stuart Friedman Nov 01, 2018

Judge Stuart Friedman retired in early January, 2019, after three decades on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Bench. He spoke with host Darren Toms about his education, law career and time on the bench. Judge Friedman also discussed the two things he's most proud of during his time as a Judge.

Judge Carolyn Friedland Oct 01, 2018

Judge Carolyn Friedland retired in January of 2019, and looked back on what she calls "a great job." Judge Friedland spent 30 years on the Bench, and she speaks with host Darren Toms about her education, career, and why she became a Judge.

Judge Janet R. Burnside Sep 01, 2018

After nearly three decades on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bench, Judge Janet Burnside retired at the end of 2018. Judge Burnside discusses her career, the justice system, and what advice she has for young attorneys.

Court Community Service Aug 01, 2018

CCS Executive Director Paul Klodor discusses how the non-profit organization helps clients perform their court-ordered community service.

Veterans Treatment Court Jul 01, 2018

Judge Michael E. Jackson talks with host Darren Toms about the Veterans Treatment Court, which strives to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the unique tools they need to lead a more productive and law-abiding life.

Court Reporters Jun 01, 2018

It's the jobs of our dedicated staff of court reporters to maintain an accurate record of every hearing that takes place. Head Court Reporter Bruce Bishilany talks with host Darren Toms about the role of the court reporters, the training they need, and why their job is so important.

Re-Entry Court May 01, 2018

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo talks about Re-Entry Court and how it helps inmates who are ready to transition back into society.

The Jury Room Apr 01, 2018

How are people chosen for jury duty? What happens when they arrive? And what are some the best excuses people have used to try and avoid service? On The Record host Darren Toms talks with co-directors Pat Bittner and Veronica Adams about their jobs in the jury assembly room.

Cuyahoga County Law Library Mar 01, 2018

Kathy Dugan, director of the Cuyahoga County Law Library, sits down with host Darren Toms to discuss the library's history and its role in the modern, electronic legal system.

CMBA Mock Trials Feb 01, 2018

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court hosts a number of mock trials during the year, the biggest being the Ohio Mock Trial District Competition, which is organized by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. Jessica Paine, the CMBA's Director of Community Programs, talks with "On The Record" host Darren Toms about the competition and why the partnership with the Court is so important for the students.

TASC Jan 09, 2018

A conversation with Court’s TASC (Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime) Administrator Ronda Blaney. Community Outreach Coordinator Darren Toms and Ronda discuss the role of TASC and the emotional highs and lows of being case managers!

Psychiatric Clinic Dec 01, 2017

Former Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Psychiatric Clinic Interim Director Dr. Julian Dooley talks with Darren Toms about the clinic's role in the Court when it comes to assessing a defendant's potential mental health issues.

Drug Lab Nov 01, 2017

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has it's own drug lab and runs hundreds of thousands of tests every year. Administrator Shannon Gray talks with Darren Toms about the lab and its dedicated workers.

Dispute Resolution Oct 01, 2017

Matthew Mennes of the Court’s Dispute Resolution (formerly Alternative Dispute Resolution) department, discusses how the program works and why it's a good option for a number of civil disputes.

Magistrates Department Sep 01, 2017

Cuyahoga County Chief Magistrate Stephen Bucha III talks about the department with Community Outreach Coordinator Darren Toms.

Drug Court Aug 01, 2017

Drug Court Judge David T. Matia discusses the specialized docket with Legal Support Coordinator Laura Creed. Judge Matia also talks about the opioid epidemic, how it is affecting his docket, and what he feels is needed to combat the crisis.

Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Docket Jul 01, 2017

MHDD Chair Judge Hollie Gallagher discusses the five-judge docket, how it operates, and why it's so important.