The Ohio Supreme Court has given Governor Taft a public reprimand for violating state ethics laws.
With the action, the state's highest court has put a permanent black mark on Taft's record as an attorney.
Taft pleaded no contest last year to charges that he failed to report golf outings and other gifts. The Republican was the first Ohio governor to be charged with a crime while in office.
The court's reprimand comes in a 6-to-nothing ruling agreeing with a recommendation from a state panel. The justices could have rejected the recommendation or ordered a stronger punishment.
Taft could not seek re-election this year because of term limits and will leave office January 7th. (Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
