Joseph earned his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

Joseph previously worked as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor.

Joseph T. Deters is an Ohio Supreme Court Justice. He was appointed in 2023 and is serving his first term. He previously served as the Hamilton County prosecutor for over 25 years and was elected as Ohio treasurer for 2 terms in 1998 and 2002. He also served as the Hamilton County clerk of courts from 1988 to 1992.

Candidate website

Facebook

As a prosecutor, established Ohio's first drug court.

As a prosecutor, established the county’s first victim/witness advocate program and helped develop several diversion programs for first time non-violent offenders.

As treasurer, he was responsible for collecting, managing, and investing more than $11 billion in assets for the state.

As a treasurer, responsible for collecting, managing, and investing more than $11 billion in assets for the state.

Supports allowing local judges to "set appropriate bonds on dangerous criminals and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods."

- As a prosecutor, established Ohio's first drug court.
- As a prosecutor, established the county’s first victim/witness advocate program and helped develop several diversion programs for first time non-violent offenders.
- As a treasurer, responsible for collecting, managing, and investing more than $11 billion in assets for the state.
- Supports allowing local judges to "set appropriate bonds on dangerous criminals and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods."

Judicial Administration

Plans to base decisions on "a strict interpretation of our laws as they are written."

Believes as a Justice, his chief responsibility is to "respect and honor the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government" and supports judicial restraint from influencing legislation.

Wants to "respect and honor the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government" and supports judicial restraint from influencing legislation.

Believes in being a "strict conservative constitutionalist" who values the rights of all Ohioans.

Believes in "enforcing the law to hold violent criminals accountable."

Supports "enforcing the law to hold violent criminals accountable."

Believes in distinguishing between individuals who need rehabilitation and those who require compensation.

- Plans to base decisions on "a strict interpretation of our laws as they are written."
- Wants to "respect and honor the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government" and supports judicial restraint from influencing legislation.
- Believes in being a "strict conservative constitutionalist" who values the rights of all Ohioans.
- Supports "enforcing the law to hold violent criminals accountable."
- Believes in distinguishing between individuals who need rehabilitation and those who require compensation.

Judicial Philosophy

Previously served on the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Ohio Organized Crime Commission, and the Southern Ohio Leukemia Foundation.

- Previously served on the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Ohio Organized Crime Commission, and the Southern Ohio Leukemia Foundation.

Community Involvement

Believes in "upholding the integrity and honesty of the Ohio Supreme Court."

- Believes in "upholding the integrity and honesty of the Ohio Supreme Court."

Ethics & Conduct

WCPO, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters steps down after 25 years; this is his exit interview

As an assistant prosecutor, tried felony cases.

- As an assistant prosecutor, tried felony cases.

Legal Experience

Twitter

Instagram

Joseph T. Deters

Joseph T. Deters is the 163rd justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2023. He previously served as Hamilton County Prosecutor for over 25 years and was elected as Ohio Treasurer for two terms in 1998 and 2002. He also served as Hamilton County Clerk of Courts from 1988-1992.

Believes in "honoring the constitution by upholding the law."

Respects victims of crime and their families.

Supports the Hamilton County Drug Treatment and Recovery Court, believing it effectively manages more cases than any other specialized docket in the state, and contributes to community safety and health.

Believes in being "transparent and honest in the pursuit of justice."

Worked as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor for six years.

Joseph T. Deters received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Cincinnati. None.

Joseph T. Deters is currently serving as a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, having taken office in January 2023. He previously served as Hamilton County Prosecutor for over 25 years and was elected as Ohio Treasurer for two terms. He also held the position of Hamilton County Clerk of Courts from 1988-1992 and began his legal career as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor.

- The Supreme Court of Ohio has seven justices and serves as the final authority on the Ohio Constitution and Ohio law.
- The Court must accept appeals of cases that originated in the courts of appeals; cases involving the death penalty; cases involving questions arising under the U.S. Constitution or the Ohio Constitution; and cases in which there have been conflicting opinions from two or more courts of appeals.
- Decisions are made collectively by majority vote, and a justice writes the majority opinion.
- The justices elect a chief justice who serves as the administrative head of the state's court system, serving a six-year term.
- Justices are elected at large by the voters of Ohio for six-year terms across districts. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some justices are elected each year.
- The chief justice earns $174,700 per year and associate justices $164,000 per year.