Judge Brett E. Horton was sworn in as a Judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court on December 8, 2025. He is a lifelong Clevelander and graduate of Benedictine High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morehouse College and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Judge Horton is also a proud father of two sons.

Judge Horton has more than 30 years of legal experience. His legal practice included representing public entities and community-serving organizations across the city and county, including the City of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Step Forward. He has also provided extensive pro bono legal services to Greater Cleveland residents who could not otherwise afford legal representation.

Judge Horton is engaged with the community. He has mentored Cleveland youth for more than 25 years, including directing a tutoring initiative supporting students in Cleveland public schools. His life and career reflect a longstanding commitment to strengthening public systems and expanding access to opportunities for residents across the region.

On the bench, Judge Horton applies his knowledge of the law and deep understanding of the community to promote accountability while connecting individuals to programs and resources that support stability and provide a path forward, all in service of fairness and community safety.