Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Kristin Boggs hears a case at the Supreme Court.

Judge Kristin Boggs of the Tenth District Court of Appeals is grateful for her recent opportunity to sit on the Supreme Court during oral arguments.

“I appreciate what a high honor it is to be asked said Judge Boggs, who looked forward to collaborating with the justices.

Judge Boggs heard Coykendall v. Lima Refining Company, Case No. 2024-1256. The case weighed the liability for paying out damages to an employee who was injured on the job.

She sat for Justice Patrick F. Fischer, who recused himself from the case. The Ohio Constitution allows the chief justice to appoint an appellate judge to hear a case when there is a recusal.

Commitment to Education and Public Service
Judge Boggs always set her sights on a public service career. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University, Judge Boggs spent time volunteering for AmeriCorps and working as a substitute teacher.

The Ashtabula native then returned to northeast Ohio to pursue her juris doctorate at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

After graduating from law school Judge Boggs joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and spent a nearly a decade managing a robust litigation practice representing Ohio’s state agencies and universities across the state.

“Learning to juggle multiple case at a time, with different trial schedules, different legal questions and complexities is great training,” said Judge Boggs. “Having the opportunity to work with so many state agencies that serve Ohioans across the state allows you to see firsthand the good work and challenges facing our state.” She has carried this valuable knowledge into her work as a legislator and judge.

In 2016, Judge Boggs was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, where she served on several boards and commissions. Since taking the bench in 2023, she has represented the people of the 10th district.

While working as a legislator and a judge, she is also a full-time mother to two children.

Community on the Bench
As a judge, she prioritizes communication and serving the public.

In preparation for hearing the case on the Supreme Court, Judge Boggs carried out her review process of meeting with staff attorneys to discuss the briefs.

“I really benefit from having a conversation before oral arguments. I like to talk out the issues because it helps me challenge and fine tune my perspectives on a case,” she said.

And with each case, Judge Boggs’ top priority is her role as a public servant.