Father swears in son as new Zanesville municipal court judge

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Surrounded by family, friends and representatives, Judge William Joseph swore in his son Andrew Joseph as Zanesville’s newest judge Saturday.

After the swear in, Andrew thanked his wife, family and the attendees of the swear in. He says it was a special honor for his father to be there.

“I was fortunate and honored to have my dad, who is the current and soon-to-be former Zanesville Municipal Court judge to administer that oath to me.”

His father also shared his insight on the event.

“It’s special to have your son take over your — we didn’t plan that.”

Andrew ran unopposed for the bench seat in November.

“Andrew expressed some interest in running and he did and he won, says William. “The fact that he thought he’d like to serve as Municipal Court Judge and won the election is really special.”

Andrew says his father is doing much more than passing along the gavel. He’s passing along tradition.

“I’m looking forward to a new chapter of my legal career but what it means to me to take on a position that my dad has held for 20 years — he has an establish of tradition here. Of treating everybody with dignity and respect.”

Judge William says he will be retiring on December 31st of this year.

“I was proud and pleased to be able to serve the city of Zanesville for 20 years and I look forward to my son being able to do that for at least another 20 years.”