Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas - Fred Nelson (R)

1. Which former U.S. president's political philosophy best matches your own?

   As a sitting Judge, I try hard not to allow my personal policy preferences to influence my rulings. I also try not to create the appearance that I let my political views shape decisions, so I generally do not make public political Ñ statements. I was proud to serve President Reagan as Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the office of federal policy (helping set long range policy planning Ñ the MÑ justice Dept & Ñ with judicial selection) I worked in the first Bush White House

2. Which U.S. Supreme Court Justice's legal philosophy best matches your own?

   Thomas (in terms of analytical approach)

3. Rate your judicial philosophy regarding the U.S. Constitution on a scale of 1-10 with "living/evolving document" being 1 and "strict constructionist" begin a 10.

   10
   But note, I do not endorse the terms used in the question. A judge should seek to apply the true meaning of the text as adopted, giving it neither an unduly restricted nor an unduly expanded reading. The Constitution permits the people to change pÑs with the times, under the procedure outlined for legislative poliÑ making consistent with our system separated and define powers and our federalist structure.

4. In Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a "right to privacy" under the Constitution that includes abortion. The Constitution does not include this right.

   As a sitting Judge who may be called upon to construe cases in this area, I do not believe that it would be proper for me to make pÑ on legal questions in the context of a

5. Judges should refrain from "legislating from the bench." The translation of public policy into law and the creation, extension, modification, or limitation of citizens' rights (and governmental authority) are properly within the province of the legislative, not judicial, branch of government.

   Agree
   A Judge must endeavor to follow the law, including the Constitution of the United State and any relevant State Constitution. In Ñ, the Judge should observe principles of separations of powers and should be fully Ñdful of the limitations on and responsibilities of judicial office.

6. An unborn child is biologically human at every stage of his or her biological development, beginning at fertilization.

   As a sitting judge who may have cases come before me that could involve this subject, I think it proper not to respond in this context.

7. The law should be applied to pro-life demonstrators in the same manner is applied to environmental, anti-war and labor demonstrators.

   I won't address any particular category of case, but the law must be applied fairly and impartially without fear, favor, or prejudice.

8. There is no provision in the current Ohio Constitution intended to require the use of public funds for abortion.

   Please see response to question 5.

9. List all organizations to which you have contributed time or money in the past four years.

   primarily legal or school-related, with some church contributions