Ohio Supreme Court says judge’s jury scolding violated rules

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court says a municipal court judge violated judicial conduct rules when she scolded jurors after they issued a verdict she believed to be wrong.

The court concluded today in a public reprimand Judge Amy Salerno of Franklin County Municipal Court violated a rule requiring judges to behave in ways to promote the judiciary’s integrity and impartiality, as well as a rule barring judges from commenting on jury verdicts except in a court order or opinion.

Jurors in Judge Salerno’s courtroom issued a not-guilty verdict in 2013 in a misdemeanor assault case. Several jurors complained to the court about how Judge Salerno told them they “got this wrong.”

The court says her comments subjected the state’s judicial system to criticism and ridicule.

A message was left for Judge Salerno.