The Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals will have a new face next year. It could be that of a Lawrence Countian.

Lawrence County Juvenile Probate Court Magistrate Patricia Sanders is one of four Republicans seeking the party nod. Right now there is no Lawrence Countian on that court of appeals, a district that also includes Scioto, Vinton, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, Meigs, Gallia, Jackson, Athens, Washington, Highland, Adams and Hocking counties.

Sanders, 40, said she decided to run when Judge Roger Kline retired. With her daughter now a teenager and the vacancy on the court of appeals, Sanders said she thought it was a good time to seek a seat on the bench.

Sanders has been a magistrate in the juvenile probate court nine years, presiding over juvenile delinquency cases as well as paternity, child custody, divorce and some civil cases. She is also a U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer — a legal advisor for Uncle Sam — and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. She has practiced law 15 years.

Sanders said her court experience and her respect for the judicial system are her key qualifications.

“I have a true belief in the court system,” Sanders said. “If you don’t have a strong court system the public can rely on, there are those who would take the law into their own hands.”

She is also passionate about the U.S. Constitution and pledged to interpret the law as it is written and not try to legislate from the bench.

“That (legislating from the bench) diminishes faith in the system,” she said.

Sanders said her goal is to be a fair judge who leaves her personal opinions outside the courtroom.

“I’m honest, hardworking, and as approachable as a next-door neighbor. I promise to do the best that I can do and do what is right. I’m a human and make mistakes but I pride myself on integrity and doing a good job.”

She and her husband, Tim, have two children.