Justice Herb Brown celebrates 93rd birthday with latest book and message for Ohio voters

Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Herb Brown marked his 93rd birthday with the publication of his latest book, “Darkness Lies in Wait,” and a call for democratic participation. Brown spoke about the upcoming fall elections, stating that while he wouldn’t dictate how people should vote, he urged voters to seek reliable sources of information before casting their ballots. Reflecting on his tenure on the bench from 1987 to 1992, Brown emphasized the significance of impartial and just courts, encouraging voters to take an interest in the three crucial races that will determine the partisan control of the Ohio Supreme Court in the upcoming November elections.

“Darkness Lies in Wait,” Brown’s third novel, is a suspenseful tale inspired by a death penalty case that the high court presided over in 1990, where Brown authored the majority opinion. The case revolved around David Brewer, a man from Middletown without a prior criminal record, known for his friendly demeanor, who was ultimately executed in 2003 for the brutal murder of his friend’s wife. Beyond his work as a judge and author, Brown has also penned seven plays, with one of his productions, “You’re My Boy,” scheduled to be performed in the Columbus suburb of Dublin next year.

Expressing his passion for writing, Brown shared that it is his creative outlet that sustains him, though he remained uncertain about how long he would continue. Brown’s commitment to promoting democracy and the importance of informed voting underscores his dedication to civic engagement, urging citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and make informed decisions when selecting their representatives. As a seasoned legal professional and prolific writer, Brown’s contributions to the world of literature and advocacy for fair and just governance continue to inspire and resonate with audiences across Ohio and beyond.