“It is always an honor to be appointed by the chief justice to sit on the Supreme Court of Ohio,” said Judge Jennifer Hensal.

Judge Hensal of the Ninth District Court of Appeals sat for Justice Joseph T. Deters, who recused himself, to hear In re review of power purchase agreement riders of Ohio Power Company for 2018 and 2019, Case No. 2024-1735. The case concerns the validity of audits done by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regarding a power purchase agreement rider approved for the Ohio Power Company, known as AEP Ohio. The Ohio Constitution allows the chief justice to appoint an appellate judge to hear a case when there is a recusal.

“Each time I have been asked to sit, I am taken aback by the kindness and grace those at the Court exhibit while accomplishing justice for Ohio,” she said.

Serving Her Home State
A lifelong Ohioan, Judge Hensal grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio. Inspired by her father and uncle who served as judges, she was led to a career in law.

“As a child, I came to learn that serving as a judge is a meaningful way to positively impact your community,” she said.

She attended the University of Akron for her bachelor’s degree before heading to the University of Toledo to earn her J.D. After working in both public and private sectors of law, Judge Hensal was elected to the bench on the Ninth District in 2012, where she now serves.

Career of Learning and Education
Working as a jurist after so many years as an attorney, Judge Hensal says she is always learning, and that every case brings valuable knowledge.

“Each new case that comes before us is impactful,” she said.

She also prioritizes exploring off the bench, through traveling with her husband.

“We enjoy learning about various national histories, systems of governance, and interacting with the people in their everyday lives,” she said. “It is especially meaningful to explore systems of civil and criminal justice, and then analyze how those constructs, or lack thereof, affect communities.”

Judge Hensal aims to be a resource for both lawyers and the public.

“It is always rewarding to share the knowledge I have gained through my experiences both on and off the bench.”