TAFT SIGNS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL--Gov. Bob Taft smiles after signing into law Senate Bill 9-the domestic violence law, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1999. Standing behind Taft are, from left, Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor, domestic violence victim Brenda Mauders, Attorney General Betty Montgomery, Majority Whip Sen. Merle Kearns, R-Springfield, Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, bill sponsor Sen. Larry Mumper, R- Marion, and Mercer County Judge Jeff Ingraham. The law increases the penalities for those who commit domestic violence within the sight or sound of a child and also permits the court to order a domestic violence offender to undergo counseling. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

INSIDE JOKE--Gov. Bob Taft, right, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer share a laugh prior to Taft signing the domestic violence bill into law, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1999. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)