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Hometown Attorney Appointed Warren Municipal Court Judge
Attorney Natasha Natale is the new judge of Warren Municipal Court in Trumbull County.

Trailblazing Judge Sits for Supreme Court Argument
Making her third appearance on the Supreme Court of Ohio bench, Judge Carol Ann Robb served as an assigned judge during oral arguments Tuesday.

Mentorship from the Court Brought This Assigned Judge Back
Judge Charles Sulek’s favorite part of the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center isn’t the courtroom or grandeur of the law library.

Every Case is the Most Important for Assigned Visiting Judge
Judge Ginger Bock knew exactly what she wanted in eighth grade. In her career, she’d be a change agent. And at a Cincinnati Reds game that summer, she’d be a ball boy.

Trash Is a Treasure for Assigned Visiting Judge
Judge Michael Mentel’s first memory about the intricacies of law comes from an unlikely source – trash.

Following A Father’s Path
First District Court of Appeals Judge Robert C. Winkler believes the best training to become a judge is to watch and learn from respected jurists. That approach has benefited when hearing cases at all levels of the state court system: municipal, common pleas, appellate, and now for the first time, the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Judge Receives Award for Service to Northwest Ohio
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Myron C. Duhart’s dedication to the Toledo area was recently recognized with a distinguished honor.

Judge Finds Her Way by Learning from Others
When Judge Betsy Luper Schuster was figuring out what direction to take with her career as a philosophy major, she remembers people telling her, “You can do anything with a law degree.”

Assistant Public Defender Appointed Cuyahoga County Judge
Attorney Timothy W. Clary was appointed today as judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division.

New Judge Appointed to Toledo Municipal Court
Attorney Jim Anderson was appointed today as judge for Toledo Municipal Court.

Magistrate Appointed to Lucas County Juvenile Bench
Magistrate Robert J. Jones, Jr. was appointed today as judge for Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division.

New Leaders Rise to the Bench After Judicial Elections
Ohio voters elected 28 new municipal court judges in this week’s general election, including two who were elected over incumbents.

Acting Judge Appointed in Belmont County
Attorney Adam L. Myser was appointed today as judge for the Belmont County Court, Northern Division.

Judge Takes on Challenges at Work and in Leisure
For Judge Jeffrey Welbaum, the most interesting part of his work on the Second District Court of Appeals is listening to oral arguments. Each case presents intrigue with the possibility of hearing an unexpected or novel legal claim.

Judge Examines Law’s Intricacies from Capitol Hill to Supreme Court
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa B. Forbes has a deep appreciation for America’s experiment of democracy and how the laws of the first constitutional republic were created to equally protect and serve its people.

Attorney Appointed to Struthers Municipal Court Bench
Jennifer J. Ciccone was appointed today as judge for Struthers Municipal Court in Mahoning County.

Educating Students and Citizens About Appellate Courts
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew Byrne knows there’s a need for education about the judiciary, especially when it comes to the appellate level.

Judge’s Decisions Show Respect for Law
Judge Michael Powell has been hearing cases for the last 11 years on the Twelfth District Court of Appeals. Even with time and experience, he still feels the weight of his decisions like when he first sat on the bench.

Chief Justice Receives Award for Reentry Work
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy has long championed the need for services and resources to help people return to society after they have been incarcerated. That advocacy was recently recognized.

Belmont County Judge Appointed to Common Pleas Bench
Judge Chris Berhalter was appointed today to fill the vacancy on the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Divisions.

Career Examining Laws Begins With Family Business
Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ronald C. Lewis has been delving into legal issues for 30 years. His first duty as an attorney was helping the family business his grandfather started in excavation.

Building Confidence Through Mentorships
Judge Julia Dorrian will never forget her first days on the appellate bench. She was transitioning from Franklin County Common Pleas Court after years of experience with issuing rulings at the trial court level.

Portrait Honors Six Decades of Service to Law
Justice Andrew “Andy” Douglas left his mark on many Ohioans as an attorney and judge dedicated to solving legal problems for 61 years. Family, friends, and colleagues came together to celebrate the justice’s life and career during his portrait dedication ceremony at the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Prosecutor Appointed Vinton County Judge
Prosecuting attorney James Payne has been appointed to the Vinton County Court of Common Pleas bench as judge of the general and domestic relations divisions.

Judge Spends Decades Improving Courts
Judge Sean C. Gallagher works for the people who rely on a court’s services. He’s taken on many roles across more than 40 years in the Ohio justice system.

Fourth District Judge Hears First Supreme Court Case
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Kristy S. Wilkin wanted to be on the bench to grow as a legal scholar while handling the responsibility of upholding the law. Her pursuits reached a new level as a first-time assigned judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Clerk of Court Appointed Barberton Municipal Judge
Barberton Municipal Clerk of Court Diana Stevenson will be taking on a new leadership position with that court. Today, she was appointed as the court’s next judge.

Exploration Inspires Assigned Judge
Judge Christine E. Mayle enjoys exploring. She’s done it throughout her legal career by what she’s practiced and where she’s practiced it.

Federal Attorney Appointed to Eleventh District Bench
Attorney Robert J. Patton was appointed today as judge for the Eleventh District Court of Appeals, serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, and Trumbull counties.

Assistant Prosecutor Appointed Montgomery County Judge
Montgomery County assistant prosecutor Elizabeth A. Ellis was appointed today as judge for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, General Division.

Retired Judge Educating on Justice System, Journalism
Tom Hodson knows it’s important to always challenge yourself professionally, intellectually, and creatively. The retired Athens County judge started his career in journalism. He went to law school to be a better reporter and returned to Athens to practice law.

New Judges Learn How to Lead Their Communities
New Ohio judges learned about the responsibilities and challenges that come with serving their community at the Supreme Court of Ohio’s New Judge Orientation.

Attorney Appointed Tuscarawas County Judge
Attorney James J. Ong was appointed as judge for Tuscarawas County Court.

Sports Principles Also Apply to Judge’s Work
The ball can bounce any way on a soccer field or in a courtroom. That’s something Second District Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Epley knows well as a legal professional and former collegiate athlete.

Pursuit of Excellence Leads Judge to Supreme Court
Judge Terri Jamison’s life approach comes from the motto of her elementary school in rural West Virginia, “Striving to excel.” That standard has pushed her from being a coal miner to a trial and appellate judge, and now, a visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Visiting Judge Credits Cousin for Life in Law
Growing up in Youngstown, Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge David D’Apolito was inspired by his cousin to become a lawyer. It’s taken him all the way up the state’s judicial ladder to first-time visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Wayne County Magistrate Appointed Judge
Magistrate Nathan Shaker was appointed today as judge for Wayne County Municipal Court.

Family, Scout Values Shape Visiting Judge
Judge Mark Miller has a lifelong commitment to helping people. He learned it from his parents and has developed it across decades in the boy scout community and the legal profession.

Civil Attorney Appointed Lake County Judge
Attorney Jeffrey W. Ruple was appointed today as judge for the General Division of the Lake County Common Pleas Court.

Lawyers Come Together for Career Transition
Katrina Kight has handled thousands of cases in front of judges during her 26 years as a lawyer. But she never felt a spotlight brighter than her first hearing as a magistrate.

Prosecutor Appointed Coshocton County Juvenile and Probate Judge
Prosecutor Jason Given has been appointed as judge for the Coshocton County juvenile and probate courts.

Attorney Appointed Paulding County Probate and Juvenile Judge
Attorney Harvey Hyman has been appointed as judge for the Paulding County probate and juvenile courts.

Juvenile Court Honors Retired Chief Justice
Retired Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is honored this month for her historic career in the same community where she began her nearly four decades in public service.

Longtime Prosecutor Appointed Clinton County Judge
Attorney David Henry was appointed today as the new judge for Clinton County Municipal Court.

Attorney Appointed to Fayette County Probate and Juvenile Bench
Fayette County attorney Mary King has been appointed to the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division.

Former Judge Appointed to Cleveland Municipal Bench
Magistrate and former common pleas judge Mark Majer was appointed today as a judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court.

Changing of the Guard: First District Court of Appeals
Judge Jennifer Kinsley is the newest member of the court, Judge Beth A. Myers recently retired from the court, and Judge Candace Crouse was selected as the the court's administrative and presiding judge for 2023.

Visiting Judge Living His Childhood Dream
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Craig Baldwin knew from the time he was 10 years old that he wanted to be on the bench. Serving as a visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio goes beyond anything he could have imagined.

Travel Influential in Judge’s Journey to Supreme Court
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew Byrne loves a good journey – as an appellate judge representing eight counties and a person who has traveled to 43 states. On Tuesday, he reached a new destination – a first-time visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Marion County Magistrate Appointed Judge
Magistrate Rhonda Burggraf was appointed today as judge of Marion County Family Court.

Judge Appointed to New Seat on Cuyahoga County Bench
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Joan Synenberg has been appointed to a new seat with the court.

Shared Experience Helps New Judges Grow
Newly elected Ohio judges learned about the duties and challenges that come with serving their community at the Supreme Court of Ohio’s new judge orientation.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Appointed as Supreme Court Justice
Joseph T. Deters, the longest-serving prosecutor in Hamilton County history, is appointed to serve as the 163rd justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

All Smiles for Pioneering Chief Justice Farewell
Hundreds of supporters gathered recently to celebrate Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor’s historic leadership of the state judiciary, her impact, and legacy.

New Documentary Showcases Chief Justice O’Connor’s Long Career in Public Service
The end of the year is just two weeks away. For Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Supreme Court of Ohio, it will mark the end of 20 years at the high court. A new documentary titled, “Raising the Bar: The Maureen O’Connor Years,” reflects on her tenure and nearly 40 years in public service.

Courts, Communities Connect Veterans with Treatment
Leaders in Ohio’s legal system are on a mission to help military veterans struggling with trauma.

Courts Provide Legal Help Close to Home
A court program in northeast Ohio is making it easier for people to resolve their legal issues by bringing the experts and problem solvers into the communities they serve.

Retired Judge, Leader of Veterans Treatment Court Inducted into Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Retired Cuyahoga County Judge Michael Jackson was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments, including his work to establish the Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC).

Judicial Elections Bring New Leadership to Ohio Courts
With 40 new judges, nine judges joining new courts, and three former judges returning to the bench, the 2022 judicial elections bring a wide range of experiences and knowledge to the Ohio judicial system.

Highest Honor for Akron Municipal Court Judge
Akron Municipal Court Judge Annalisa S. Williams has received the highest honor given by the Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) during the All Rise Annual Awards Celebration.

Court Renamed to Honor Jurist
Supreme Court of Ohio Justice Melody Stewart led a procession of two dozen Cuyahoga County municipal, common pleas, and appeals judges. The Cleveland Metro Schools All City Choir performed under the direction of Dr. David Thomas.

Local Judges Reflect on Change and Challenges
Local judges reflect on changes during the tenure of Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. They discuss their plans to carry on with priorities and meet the challenges in their courtrooms and communities.

Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor to Deliver State of the Judiciary
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor will deliver her final State of the Judiciary address to the Ohio Judicial Conference. She will look back over her two decades on the Court and forward to the challenges that lie ahead for Ohio.

Music Provides Harmony Throughout Judge’s Legal Career
Like musicians, judges strive to hit the right note. That precision has been part of Judge William Klatt’s personal and professional life for more than two decades.

Much Work Remains for Chief Justice After Final Oral Arguments
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has heard her last oral arguments. Following last Tuesday’s cases, the chief justice highlighted her appreciation for the people who administer justice in the state and the work that remains before the makeup of the Court changes at the end of the year.

Lifelong Learning Propels Appellate Judge
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Eileen Kilbane’s lifelong passion as a scholar led to her latest learning experience as a visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Supreme Court Network Developing Attorneys Into Judges
The legal profession is a never-ending journey of learning. Cleveland Municipal Judge Andrea Nelson Moore is among the 33 attorneys making the transition to the bench with help from the Supreme Court of Ohio at its most recent new judges’ orientation.

Three Judges Appointed to Ohio Courts
Three new judges will take the bench on Aug. first, following appointments today: Julie Schafer to the Medina County Domestic Relations Court; Anita Bechmann to the Clermont County Municipal Court; and Jason Despetorich to the common pleas and domestic relations courts in Hocking County.

Family Guidance Paves Judge’s Supreme Court Path
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Myron Duhart was raised by his grandmother, who never imagined he would go from sitting with her in the kitchen to one day sitting on the bench of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Judge Comes Full Circle with Supreme Court
Whenever Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp hears an oral argument for the Supreme Court of Ohio, she’s reminded of the first time she worked at the Court.

Commitment to Causes Leads Judge to Supreme Court
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Emanuella Groves sat for her first Supreme Court oral argument. That achievement is the latest distinction for a judge with decades of accomplishments serving Ohioans.

Big Picture Leads Small-Town Judge to Supreme Court
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Carol Ann Robb’s recent duty as a visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio is a reminder of how one person, from rural Ohio, can make an impact.

Seasoned Judge Humbled by Supreme Court Service
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Scott Gwin has sat as a visiting judge for the Supreme Court of Ohio several times in his 33 years on the bench, and he is still amazed by the magnitude of serving the state’s high court.

Supreme Court Educating Students in Person and Afar
The Supreme Court of Ohio has a mission to educate students across Ohio about the justice system. In certain instances, the Supreme Court brings that initiative directly to young Ohioans.

Former Lawmaker Hears First Supreme Court Case
A prominent Ohio public servant over the past three decades debuted today as a visiting judge on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Ohio Program to Serve as Mentor for Drug Courts Nationwide
The judicial system paved a path for two northeast Ohio court employees on how to help people struggling with substance use. It’s a mission that gives them purpose locally and now, nationally.

Assistant Prosecutor Appointed to Tenth District Bench
Longtime Franklin County assistant prosecutor Keith McGrath was appointed today as a judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals.

Four Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments
Three Supreme Court of Ohio oral arguments today included visiting judges. Two of the judges sat in one case.

Clinton County Assistant Prosecutor Appointed Judge
William C. Randolph, a longtime member of the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office, was appointed today as the judge for Hillsboro Municipal Court.

Sentencing by Ambush, Subject of New Video GEM
Justice Michael P. Donnelly joined Judge Mary Jane Trapp of the Eleventh District Court of Appeals for a second conversation about plea bargains.

Clermont County Judicial Appointment
Clermont County Municipal Judge Kevin T. Miles was named to serve on the common pleas court today.

Fourth District Judge Hears First Supreme Court Argument
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Jason Smith made his debut as a visiting jurist on the Supreme Court of Ohio today.

Making the Case for Transparency and Reform in Plea Negotiations
Plea agreements and motions to withdraw pleas are often the subject of appeals or requests for post-conviction relief.

Fourth District Judge Makes Supreme Court Debut
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Michael Hess observed his first oral argument as a visiting jurist on the Supreme Court of Ohio today.

State Bar Association Highlights Justice Amid Hall of Fame Honor
Justice Michael Donnelly of the Supreme Court of Ohio is featured in this month’s Ohio Lawyer Magazine, a publication of the Ohio State Bar Association.

Respected Judge and Educator, Patrick Carroll, Retires
After more than three decades of service, Lakewood Municipal Judge Patrick Carroll has retired.

Appellate Judge Appointed for Second District
Xenia Municipal Court Judge Ronald C. Lewis was appointed to a seat on the Second District Court of Appeals today, filling the pending vacancy of retiring appellate Judge Michael T. Hall at the end of the month.

Virtual Reality Helps Courts Shape Sober Realities
People with mental health and substance use issues often experience the need “to get away.”

Judge’s Baby Arrives Early during Judicial College Course
Judges must juggle multiple responsibilities, but one jurist took that notion to a much higher level.

Five Appointed to Fill Cuyahoga County Judicial Vacancies
Five northeast Ohioans were named to fill vacancies on three courts in Cuyahoga County, including the Eighth District Court of Appeals, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and the Garfield Heights Municipal Court.

New App to Help Veterans Treatment Courts Innovate, Expand
As the number of veterans treatment courts (VTC) in Ohio has grown, so has the need for more people to be informed about their work and connected to them.

Two Common Pleas Court Vacancies Filled
Two new judges were appointed to vacant common pleas court judgeships in Marion and Henry counties today.

Nearly 900 Attend Supreme Court Off-Site Sessions
After two years, the Ohio Supreme Court returned to the road.

Voters Elect 12 New Municipal Court Judges
In the smallest judicial election year in the past six years, Ohio voters elected 12 new municipal court judges in this week’s general election, including three who were elected over newly appointed incumbents.

Court Nuptials Capped by ‘Halloween’ Weddings
The Akron Civic Theatre is central to the city – in location and entertainment. On the inside, what people see and experience is unforgettable.

Justice Donnelly Spotlighted in New Book on Plea Deals
The criminal sentencing reform views of Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly are featured in a new book that examines systemic issues with the most common resolution in criminal cases – plea deals.

Ohio Vietnam Veteran Judge Featured on PBS
A retired Ohio judge will be featured in a new documentary detailing the lives of military veterans from their enlistment to life after their service.

Ohio Voters to Select Nearly 50 Municipal Court Judges
Early voting is underway in Ohio ahead of the Nov. 2 general election when voters in 23 Ohio counties will elect 47 judges for municipal court.

Long-Serving Harrison County Judge Passes Away
The longest-serving county court judge in Harrison County has died.

Court Mourns Passing of Common Pleas Judges Days Apart
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has a sizable void following the passing of two sitting jurists.

Judge Jones Remembered as ‘Quintessential Public Servant’
A judge who served northeastern Ohio citizens in multiple roles across four decades has passed away.

Reflections from the Bench, Episode 6: Late Justice James Celebrezze
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews the late, former Justice James Celebrezze in the sixth episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Justice Stewart Receives Distinguished Legal Award
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart was honored by the Lawyers Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland on Friday for her contributions to the legal profession.

Former Justice Andy Douglas Passes Away
Former Justice Andy Douglas, the 139th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, passed away today at age 89. Justice Douglas served three terms on the Court, from 1985 to 2002.

Twelfth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Robin Piper III served as a visiting jurist on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments today.

Evictions, Bail, COVID Emphasized in State of the Judiciary
With the delta variant causing spikes in illnesses across the state, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor continued to stress COVID public health recommendations for court operations during her annual State of the Judiciary address.

Judges Appointed to Noble, Union County Benches
Two judgeships have been filled following the passing of one jurist and the resignation of another.

Fairfield Judge Reelected to National Mental Health Board
Fairfield Municipal Court Judge Joyce Campbell will continue her work among the nation’s leaders in enhancing mental health awareness, standards, and access to treatment.

Franklin County Juvenile Judge Appointed
A former Franklin County drug court judge, Dana S. Preisse, was appointed today to a seat on the county bench where she served for 24 years.

Butler County Judge Appointed
A Liberty Township attorney was appointed to the bench of the Butler County Court #1 today.

Justice Admonishes ‘Sentencing by Ambush’
An Ohio Supreme Court justice is seeking reforms to plea deal processes, which he says are full of unknowns for defendants, who often surrender their constitutional rights.

I-Court Report Envisions an Innovative Future
A task force created to study how Ohio courts have used technology during COVID and how innovation will continue in the future has released its report with recommendations.

Logan County Common Pleas Family Judge Appointed
A Bellefontaine magistrate was appointed to the Logan County Common Pleas Family Court today. The appointment by Gov. Mike DeWine takes effect Aug. 2.

Lucas County Juvenile Judge Appointed
Toledo Magistrate Linda Knepp has been appointed judge on the Lucas County Juvenile Court.

Party or No Party? Justice, Appellate Judge to Discuss Political Designations
An Ohio Supreme Court justice and an appeals court judge will examine a longstanding judicial topic under consideration by state legislators: should the political party affiliations of those running for the judicial branch be listed on the ballot for general elections?

Eighth District Judge Hears Oral Argument Virtually
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Anita Laster Mays served as a visiting jurist on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments today.

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Appointed
Former state Sen. John Eklund will join the 11th District Court of Appeals on July 1.

Prosecutor Appointed to Municipal Court Bench
Brian Driscoll of New Carlisle will join the Clark County Municipal Court on June 14, following his gubernatorial appointment.

Drug Court’s HART-Felt Graduation
After a year of medical and social unrest, 12 drug court participants celebrated overcoming their own struggles.

Serving Those Who Served: Founding Veterans Court Celebrates 10 Years
A decade ago, members of Stark County Common Pleas Court followed their instincts to start Ohio’s first felony veterans treatment program.

‘Life-Saving’ Work Highlighted in National Drug Court Month Video
Every May, a northeast Ohio court with a specialized docket does something unique to celebrate National Drug Court Month. This year, it’s the participants who are lending their voices.

Chief Justice Talks Empowerment at Cleveland Private Girls’ School
Ohio Supreme Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spoke to 100 students at the Laurel School for Girls in Shaker Heights recently to share her career path and offer advice to students.

Justice Stewart Honored by Ohio Bar
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart is this year’s recipient of the Nettie Cronise Lutes Award for excellence in the legal profession.

Justice, Judges Stand by Value of Sentencing Database
Three Ohio appellate judges, including a Supreme Court justice, are defending the merits of a statewide criminal sentencing database in a national journal after criticisms from an Ohio attorney.

New Juvenile Court Toolkit Aids Diversion
As awareness grows about the detrimental impact of unnecessary juvenile incarceration, the Ohio Supreme Court has created a resource to help local courts steer youths away from courtrooms.

Appeal-ing Arguments: Justice Offers Keys for Supreme Court Cases
Appellate lawyers throughout the legal profession learn from one another about how to present a case to the Ohio Supreme Court. While that’s helpful, one justice decided to add more direct insight.

Glenn College Honors Chief Justice O’Connor
When Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor accepted the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Outstanding Public Service Award from Ohio State University, she cited the late senator and astronaut’s lifelong commitment to tackling big problems.

Sixth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Christine Mayle served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether an attorney accused of incompetent representation and dishonesty should receive a two-year suspension.

Judge Retires after Career of Empowering Overlooked Populations
Some people are naturally drawn to helping others. For decades, one northwest Ohio judge used her platform to give a voice to those who couldn’t be heard.

New Judges Appointed for Summit and Hamilton Counties
New judges were appointed today to fill court vacancies in Summit and Hamilton counties.

Ninth District Judge Sits on High Court
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Jennifer Hensal served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case on whether the Ohio Power Siting Board properly considered the safety and impact of a Cincinnati natural gas pipeline.

Judge Appointed Fill Findlay Vacancy
Findlay attorney Stephanie Bishop was appointed today to serve as judge on the Findlay Municipal Court.

Two Ohio Judges Appointed
Judicial appointments were made today for the Franklin County Municipal Court and the Pike County Court.

Single Mom Makes the Most of Drug Court’s Second Chance
Second chances are staples of Ohio’s drug courts and a northeastern Ohio court showed its willingness to support participants no matter how many attempts it takes.

Justices Promote Kids Voting Initiative
Ohio voter turnout is lowest from ages 18 to 19. That’s why six Ohio Supreme Court justices taped video messages supporting an initiative to teach children citizenship and encourage voting when they turn 18.

Judge Powell Elected Appeals Group President
An Ohio judge who’s handled many leadership roles at the state level now will guide fellow appellate jurists from across the country.

Chief Justice Defends Drug Courts in ACLU Letter
In response to an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) report casting doubt on the effectiveness of drug courts, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor sent a letter to the organization disputing the findings, and sent a courtesy copy to Ohio’s judges.

Fifth District Judge Hears ECOT Case
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge W. Scott Gwin served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case from the closed online school Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT).

Judges Appointed in Ashtabula, Lucas and Franklin Counties
New judges were appointed today to the Lucas County Common Pleas Court, the Ashtabula County Court and the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Decades of Advocacy Spawn New Veterans Court
A judge who built a niche defending people with mental health issues as a private attorney used his experience to create a specialized docket dedicated to address those ongoing concerns for veterans.

Magistrate Appointed Greene County Juvenile Judge
Amy Lewis, a long-time magistrate, was appointed judge today to the Greene County Common Pleas Juvenile Court.

Former Justice James Celebrezze Dies at 83
Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice James Celebrezze has passed away. He was 83.

Retiring Judge Adds to Legacy with New Juvenile Drug Court
As a final act in her decades of service, a northern Ohio judge created a specialized docket to continue the positive impact she initiated with alternative court programs more than a decade ago.

Judge Predicts a Remote Tech Future
With Ohio courts running efficiently during COVID-19, the realization for many judges is that remote technology will likely outlive the pandemic.

Judge Delaney Joins Oral Argument
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Patricia Delaney served as a visiting judge today on the Ohio Supreme Court, hearing oral argument in a case involving whether Ohio’s lawsuit regarding Volkswagen AG’s updates to vehicle emissions control software is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act.

Tech Grant ‘Truly Helped Court through Pandemic’
The public health challenges of the past year sparked a need for technological change to maintain Ohio’s courts. For many, funding from the Ohio Supreme Court allowed just that.

Judge’s Decade-long Goal Realized with Mental Health Court
Mental health concerns have been on the minds of many since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments Remotely
Three judges from appeals courts throughout the state served as visiting jurists on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments today.

‘RISE’ in Awareness Leads to Ohio’s Fifth Human Trafficking Court
After years of planning and executing, Akron Municipal Court has become the latest beacon of hope for survivors of human trafficking who end up in the judicial system.

Justice Jennifer Brunner Sworn in to Ohio Supreme Court
The ceremonial investiture of an Ohio Supreme Court justice often takes place in the majestic courtroom of the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus.

Dozens of Judges Concluding Decades of Dedicated Service
Every December presents mixed emotions with the finality of another chapter of life and all of the unknowns that await in the upcoming year. Those sensations will be even more evident for the Ohio judges leaving the bench in 2021.

First Ohio African American Female Appellate Judge Retires
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Patricia Blackmon made Ohio history when she was elected to the bench and became the first African American to take appellate office 30 years ago.

Justice French Reflects on a Tenure of ‘Energy and Devotion’
When someone has a love for the law and is driven by the purpose of a public servant, those connections can take the person to tremendous heights.

Court Continues Holiday Tradition of ‘Bear-ing’ Good News
Maintaining year-end holiday customs is a challenge due to the coronavirus crisis, but one court figured out a way to preserve an annual practice that spreads cheer to the less fortunate.

Judge McGrath Among Three Ohio Jurists to Die of COVID-19
When Court of Claims Judge Patrick M. McGrath passed away during this holiday season he became the third Ohio jurist to die from COVID-19 complications in 2020.

In The Atlantic, Justice Donnelly, Judge Bergeron Promote Data as Reform Tool
Two leading Ohio jurists are shedding light on why and how data can become a key tool in reforming the criminal justice system.

In Athens, Judge-Elect to Take Office Early
Zachary L. Saunders, elected last month as judge on the Athens County Probate-Juvenile Court, will be starting his tenure early.

Chief Justice Seeks Vaccines for Ohio Court Staffs
As Ohio prepares to unveil its COVID-19 vaccination program, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor today asked Gov. Mike DeWine to include the state’s court staffs in its distribution plan.

Recently-Elected Judge to Take Seat Early
Karen K. Gallagher will begin her Williams County judgeship weeks ahead of schedule after she was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Judges Discuss Mentoring, Pandemic at Remote Conference
The annual winter conference for the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association was held virtually for the first time due to COVID-19 and the issue of safety took center stage.

Chief Justice Receives Trial Advocates’ Award for Pandemic Leadership
When the pandemic hit Ohio, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spearheaded guidance to local courts to keep operating remotely and transferred $6 million from the Court’s budget to remote technology grants.

Project ECHO Connects Judges, Medical Pros in Opioid Fight
The Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative – eight states including Ohio fighting the opioid crisis together – is rolling out Project ECHO.

New Bench Cards Address Sign and Foreign Language Interpreting Via Remote Technology
The Ohio Supreme Court’s Language Services Program has unveiled new bench cards to help courts working with sign, foreign language, video, and telephonic interpreters during the pandemic.

Judicial Elections Bring Turnover at All Levels
Ohio’s 2020 judicial elections results show turnover at all levels, with 22 incumbents failing to retain their seats.

Domestic Violence Courts Contend with Social Distancing Challenges
As a focus of one of Ohio’s most specific specialized dockets, 2020 has been especially difficult for specialty courts dealing with intimate partner violence as well as offenders, who often struggle with substance use and mental health issues.

Further Jury Trial Tolling Deemed ‘Case-by-Case’
With the recent spike in Covid-19 cases and the need to minimize in-person contacts, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor reminded Ohio’s judges that they have the authority to continue jury and bench trials for defendants on a case-by-case basis if certain conditions are met.

Chief Justice Cautions Judges On Covid Spike and In-Person Hearings
With Ohio’s Covid-19 cases and deaths escalating to record heights this week, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is asking judges to adhere to stringent health precautions in their courtrooms.

Justice’s Views on Agency Interpretations Published by Yale Journal
The Ohio Supreme Court should develop a more consistent method of determining when, if ever, it will defer to an administrative agency’s interpretation of a law or rule, Justice R. Patrick DeWine wrote in a national online journal.

Power of Pink: Judge’s Robe Creates Communal Cause for Breast Cancer Awareness
A decade ago, public officials in a southwestern Ohio city began displaying support for the fight against breast cancer. And it all started with one judge’s attire.

Appellate Courts Adjust, Seek Improved Practices amid COVID-19 and Beyond
The sudden changes due to COVID-19 forced courts to adjust their operations. Now, judges and court staff are not only analyzing their efforts during these uncertain times, they’re also evaluating approaches and efficiencies for a post-pandemic world.

Supreme Court Candidate Forum Goes Statewide
Four candidates for two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court taped an interview forum that is being offered for viewing by news media across the state, including Court News Ohio.

Court Unveils Developmental Disabilities Toolkit
Probate courts have a new toolkit to assist guardians appointed for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

New Magistrates Learn the Ropes Virtually
The Ohio Supreme Court hosted 79 of its new judicial officers as part of the annual magistrate’s orientation.

Voters to Consider Nearly 300 Candidates in Judicial Elections
When early voting begins in Ohio next week, voters will consider nearly 300 candidates for 216 judicial seats throughout the state, including two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Jurist Jams for Justice
In normal years, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland hosts a live summer festival with fans packed into the iconic House of Blues downtown.

‘Grateful’ O’Donnell Memorialized with Court Portrait
For months, the coronavirus pandemic has kept people from gathering inside the Ohio Supreme Court. This week, though, members of the Court and guests safely convened to honor a former justice.

Chief Justice O’Connor Issues Statement on Justice Ginsburg
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Supreme Court of Ohio released the following statement tonight on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Court Tries Eye Exams as Drug-Testing Alternative
A northwest Ohio court is experimenting with an unconventional drug-screening method in an effort to cut thousands of dollars spent annually on tests for illegal substances.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor Issues Statement On Judicial ‘Attack’
I condemn in the strongest possible terms both the statement released by the Ohio Republican Party on September 15, 2020, and its unsigned authors.

Former Justice O’Donnell’s Portrait to be Unveiled
Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell will be honored Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. via remote technology to unveil his official portrait and highlight his 15 years on the state’s highest court.

State of Judiciary: Perseverance, Progression Paramount in Age of COVID-19, Social Reform
Like seemingly all events in 2020, the annual State of the Judiciary address was different.

Virtual Public Access Path Created for Local Courts
The Ohio Supreme Court has created a directory and tutorials for trial and appellate courts so they can stream hearings virtually during the pandemic and beyond.

Chief Justice O’Connor Delivers State of the Judiciary Address
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will deliver the annual State of the Judiciary address in Columbus using remote technology on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Community Partner to Host Court’s Jury Trials Offsite
Akron Municipal Court is scheduled to hold its first jury trial next week since courts were shut down by the pandemic, but given its physical limitations to comply with COVID-19 health and safety standards, the court has relocated proceedings to an offsite facility.

Fifth District Appellate Judge Hears Oral Arguments
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge John W. Wise served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case to determine whether attorney fees should be awarded in breach-of-settlement agreements.

Chief Justice Discusses Attorney Poll Workers on CBS
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor was featured on “CBS This Morning” news show to promote the plan to have Ohio lawyers volunteer as poll workers to help close the expected shortfall at voting precincts this fall.

Court Adjustments Provide Shelter from Pandemic Storm
Every year, Ohio’s courts strive for 20/20 vision. In 2020, judges and staff need even stronger perception to visualize what to do with their buildings to combat COVID-19.

Three Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments Remotely
Three judges from appeals courts throughout the state served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments.

Appellate Judges Hear Oral Arguments
Two judges from state district appeals courts served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments.

Court Approves Rules for Judicial Campaign Activities
The Ohio Supreme Court has approved two amendments to the Code of Judicial Conduct that revise certain requirements for judicial campaigns.

Governor Appoints Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine has announced the appointment of Kristy S. Wilkin to the Fourth District Court of Appeals.

Justices Call for Statewide Sentencing Database
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justice Michael Donnelly are calling for a statewide sentencing database, which they see as the keystone to criminal justice reform and racial fairness.

Justices to Take Part in Criminal Database Reform Panel
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justice Michael P. Donnelly will be featured on a panel Monday, July 13 at a virtual public forum at noon to discuss creating a state sentencing database to advance criminal justice reform.

First District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Pierre H. Bergeron served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case to decide the correct classification for out-of-state sex offenders.

‘Cam Do’ Attitude Guides Appellate Courts' Virtual Sessions
Like many courts, the Eighth District Court of Appeals has incorporated remote technology in order to efficiently operate during the coronavirus.

Appellate Judge Sits for Oral Arguments
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Frederick D. Nelson served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today for a case questioning whether a trial court has the discretion to impose a sentence of 25 years to life in a child rape case.

Chief Justice O’Connor Issues Independence Day Statement on Criminal Justice Reform
As our nation heads into its Independence Day holiday, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is issuing a statement that reflects upon our courts and the criminal justice system, the meaning of recent events in our nation, and our need to examine, by aggregating data, pre-trial and sentencing practices as they relate to those who come before the courts of Ohio.

Supreme Court Justice Calls for Plea Agreement Reform
In an article being published by the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law, state Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly calls for reforms in the criminal plea negotiation process.

'Life-Changing' Grants Help Courts in Present and Post-Pandemic
The coronavirus crisis has impacted all parts of Ohio’s judicial system, but a Supreme Court initiative to counter those effects has been transformative to courts in the state.

Governor Appoints Two to Fill Judicial Vacancies
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced two appointments to fill judicial vacancies.

Drug Court Embraces In-Person Graduation… at a Distance
An Ohio drug court was the first in the state to have an “old-fashioned” celebration during the “new normal.”

Mental Health Court, Participants Resilient during Pandemic
Mental health matters are a major concern for people given the vast changes in everyday life due to the coronavirus. Some of those adjustments have resulted in mental health court innovations, and a greater sense of community for its participants.

Third District Appellate Judge Hears Oral Arguments
Third District Court of Appeals Judge John Willamowski served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in cases involving whether bank forgeries can be combined to make them felonies.

Probate-Juvenile Court Ends Backlog Despite Virus
The coronavirus made court scheduling in Ohio difficult in late winter and spring, but the Delaware County Juvenile-Probate Court is about to make summer a season without delays.

Old Space, New Place for Jury Trials Due to COVID-19
With physical distancing part of the new norm due to the coronavirus, courtrooms across Ohio need more space. For some, that means holding jury trials outside of the building.

‘Un-Conventional’ Center to Resolve Traffic Cases
COVID-19 put the brakes on traffic cases for more than two months in Ohio’s courts. With the light finally green, Franklin County Municipal Court has a new destination for its busiest docket, while maintaining social distancing.

Judge Zmuda Named Chair of Conviction Integrity Task Force
Sixth District Appeals Court Judge Gene A. Zmuda, whose advocacy includes criminal justice and pretrial reform, has been chosen by Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor to chair the new Ohio Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Postconviction Review.

Two Appellate Judges Hear Supreme Court Case
Two appeals court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today via remote video conferencing, in a case involving whether an attorney general should be notified of a local ordinance challenge at the beginning of a case.

Chief Justice Allows Oaths by Audio, Video
An order issued today by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor allows that any oath or an affirmation required by a rule of the Court may be administered remotely by use of audio or video communication technology.

Supreme Court Justices See Tech Grants in Action
When Justices Patrick F. Fischer and R. Patrick DeWine visited the Hamilton County domestic relations court, they saw how Supreme Court emergency technology grants keep justice going during the coronavirus crisis.

Courts’ Adjustments Critical for Foster Youth during COVID-19
Since 1988, every May is recognized as National Foster Care Month. The coronavirus outbreak has made this edition the most difficult.

Wood County Common Pleas Judge Brings Courthouse Tours to Students
On a usual spring day, the Wood County courthouse would be bustling with Bowling Green sixth graders taking a tour of the fascinating history of the 1896 building.

Chief Justice’s Tech Awards to Courts Top $6 Million
Ohio courts “have a bigger responsibility” than other establishments to keep the public safe during the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said today.

Governor Appoints Two to Fill Judicial Vacancies
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced two appointments to fill judicial vacancies.

Judicial College Holds First Remote Orientation; Chief Justice Commends Pandemic Work
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor welcomed 26 new judges in a live webinar conducted by the Court’s Judicial College, addressing a range of issues led by the coronavirus pandemic.

Simple Solution: Court Clears Up Warrants, Fines through Email
As Ohio's judges are looking at innovative video technology to keep their operations amid COVID-19, one court is using email – and other basic communications – to reduce its caseload, and help people entangled in the criminal justice system.

Primary Election Sets up 210 Judicial Races for November
Candidates for 210 Ohio judicial races are now set for the general election after this week’s historic primary election.

Heard from Afar: Supreme Court Convenes in Isolation
The Ohio Supreme Court achieved a technological breakthrough this week by conducting a second round of oral arguments remotely.

Sixth District Appellate Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Arlene Singer served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today to hear a case on whether out-of-state home monitoring services are subject to Ohio taxes.

Court Holds Oral Arguments Remotely This Week Due to Coronavirus
The Ohio Supreme Court will hold oral arguments April 28 and April 29 using videoconferencing in light of the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Love Letters: Court Collecting Cards for Senior Citizens
As millions of Ohioans deal with the struggles of isolation, one court is creating a connection with arguably the most solitary group of people: senior citizens.

Court Suspends Wage Garnishment to Counter COVID-19 Strain
In only two weeks, the Crawford County Municipal Court has been able to work through 182 wage garnishment cases and freeze them, providing financial stability for at-risk residents as the coronavirus crisis wears on.

Chief Justice Issues Tolling Guidance for Supreme Court Matters
As the coronavirus crisis continues, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor issued further rules guidance today, limited to matters filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Court’s Communication, Swift Action Keeps Pace with Pandemic
As concerns about the coronavirus surfaced in Ohio weeks ago, some courts were ahead of the curve, altering operations to remain open, while ensuring maximum safety for its personnel and citizens.

Chief Justice Provides Guidance for Mayor’s Courts
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor released today a guide to mayor’s courts on how to operate during the coronavirus public health emergency.

One Decade after Sudden Loss, Chief Justice Moyer’s Legacy Endures
For 24 years, Chief Justice Thomas Moyer was the face of the Ohio Supreme Court. Despite his unexpected passing during the final year of his final term, his impact on people, and the legal profession, is still felt.

Governor Appoints Vinton County Common Pleas Court Judge
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced the appointment of James P. Salyer to serve as the judge on the Vinton County Common Pleas Court.

Ohio Supreme Court to Hold Oral Arguments Remotely Due to Coronavirus
The Ohio Supreme Court today announced that it will hold the April 7 and 8 oral arguments via videoconferencing in light of the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Justice ‘Tolls’ Time Requirements to Aid Courts in Crisis
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor issued an order today allowing for the delay of a variety of legal deadlines to help the state’s courts grapple with the coronavirus crisis.

Chief Justice Guides Local Courts Amid the Coronavirus Crisis
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is reminding judges, bar members and other legal stakeholders of the guidance available to them in the Court’s recently released public health guide.

Courts Remain Vital Amid Coronavirus Crisis
As much of Ohio slows and even shuts down due to the coronavirus, the state’s judicial branch keeps operating.

Chief Justice O’Connor Addresses Virus Issues; Expands Court Tech Grants to Fight Crisis
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor declared today that the Ohio Supreme Court will offer $4 million in grants from its budget to help local courts use technology to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

Chief Justice O’Connor to Discuss Court Operations at News Conference on the Coronavirus Crisis
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Supreme Court of Ohio will address the state on court issues Thursday during Gov. Mike DeWine’s news conference on the coronavirus crisis.

Ohio Judicial Conference Cancels Annual Court Technology Meeting
The Ohio Judicial Conference’s annual technology meeting scheduled for April 14 has been canceled due to the coronovirus crisis.

Chief Justice O’Connor Issues Coronavirus Guidance for Local Courts
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has issued guidelines to help local Ohio courts weather the coronavirus crisis and keep courts open across the state.

Ninth District Judge Hears Oral Argument
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Lynne S. Callahan sat in for oral arguments today and heard a case involving whether a juror’s letter of remorse should lead to a new trial.

Twelfth District Appellate Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Robin N. Piper sat for oral arguments today and heard a case involving whether a municipal tax on motorized, horse-driven, or manpowered vehicles-for-hire violates state law.

Ninth District’s New Mediation a ‘Win, Win, Win’
A proactive approach to its mediation process has produced promising results for one of the state’s appellate courts.

Justices Speak at Screening of Film ‘Just Mercy’
Criminal justice reform has drawn increasing public attention across the country in recent years. The award-winning film “Just Mercy,” released last December in the midst of these vocal discussions about reforms, depicts the fight one lawyer has been making for decades to address these problems.

Voter Resource Highlights Judicial Candidates
Ohio voters are reminded that Judicial Votes Count, the state’s only nonpartisan, statewide judicial election resource, is available to learn more about judge candidates before casting their ballots in the primary election.

Supreme Court Justice Meets with International Teachers
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly met with a group of 22 international teachers from Kent State University, as part of a six-week program on media literacy.

Sixth District Judge Hears Oral Arguments for the First Time
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Gene A. Zmuda served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard arguments in a case involving whether the drug manufacturing and dealing discovered by police was a pattern of corrupt activity.

Tenth District Appellate Judge Hears Oral Arguments
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa L. Sadler served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today.

Justice’s Harmony Highlights Black History Month Celebration
A year after Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart was sworn in as the first African-American woman elected to the state’s high court, she added another historic milestone.

Governor DeWine Appoints New Brown County Common Pleas Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Val Lewis II to serve as a judge on the Brown County Common Pleas Court. He replaces Judge Danny R. Bubp, who will resign May 31, 2020.

Delicate Dynamic of Gender in Human Trafficking Courts
As Human Trafficking Awareness Month recently concluded, victims spent January telling stories about how their struggles began. For those who wound up in the judicial system, which in Ohio is almost entirely women, they have a haunting history of abuse, typically at the hands of men.

Steps, Support Needed to Start Human Trafficking Court
Akron Municipal Judge Ron Cable recently joined only a few other judges in the state to have a human trafficking specialized docket certified by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Two Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments
Two judges from district appeals courts throughout the state today served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments.

Judge’s Shared Experience Helps Heal Human Trafficking Survivors
Substance use issues are central to many – if not most – human trafficking victims. That struggle for sobriety is very familiar to Cleveland Municipal Judge Marilyn Cassidy.

New Judicial Guide to Public Health Helps Judges Manage Emergencies
The health and well-being of Ohio citizens and communities are paramount in any emergency. That’s why the Ohio Supreme Court partnered with experts from the Ohio Department of Health to update and expand the Judicial Guide to Public Health.

Eighth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case for First Time
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Michelle J. Sheehan today sat in for Justice Judith L. French, who recused herself from Pattiann McAdams v. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC et al., case no. 2018-1667.

Summit Provides Clarity for Criminal Reporting Issues
Judges are responsible for upholding the law, but they’re also agents to help improve the legal system as a whole.

Judicial Officers Reminded of Annual Financial Disclosure Requirements
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today reminded judges, magistrates, and judicial candidates of their annual financial disclosure requirements.

Drug Court Documentary Debuts Tonight on WOUB-TV
A documentary that traces the work of Ohio drug courts will make its television debut tonight, Dec. 26 at 9:00 p.m. on WOUB-TV.

‘Tis the Season: OVI Court Handles Holiday Hardships
For people dealing with substance use issues, the holidays can be the hardest time to stay sober. That’s a concern that’s potentially deadlier for people who’ve already been convicted of impaired driving.

Juvenile Jurist’s Unique Training Part of New Judges Orientation
The holidays are a busy time of year, especially for the newest members of Ohio’s judiciary.

Courts Study, Prep for Cocaine, Meth Reemergence
After years of contending with an opiate crisis that’s taken the lives of thousands of Ohioans, judges across the state are dealing with an emerging threat that some experts fear could be worse.

Appellate Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa L. Sadler served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments involving whether a trial court sufficiently explained the consequences of a plea bargain to a defendant.

Tenth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Julia L. Dorrian served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments on whether a criminal defendant was found guilty based on insufficient evidence, violating the defendant’s constitutional rights.

Four Siblings Find Forever Home on National Adoption Day
The happiest moments in any court system arguably belong to probate courts. In Franklin County, the court’s happiest day is National Adoption Day.

Three Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments
Three judges from district appeals courts throughout the state today served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments.

Ohio Judges Encouraged to Attend Foster Care Forums
The Ohio Supreme Court’s Children and Families Section is encouraging judges to attend a series of regional forums aimed at reviewing the state of Ohio’s foster care system and developing recommendations for improving the experience of children and families.

Nine Incumbent Judges Lose Municipal Court Seats
General election results show nine challengers beating incumbent municipal court judges in eight Ohio counties, while another two races involving incumbents may be subject to recounts.

Governor Appoints Logan County Common Pleas Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Kevin P. Braig to serve as a judge on the Logan County Common Pleas Court. He replaces Judge William T. Goslee, who resigned.

500-Plus Citizens See Justice in Action at Off-Site Court in Williams County
Twice a year, the Ohio Supreme Court takes a recess from the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center and brings oral arguments right to its citizens elsewhere in the state.

Bench Cards Offer Guidance to Domestic Relations Courts
Ohio domestic relations judges now have a new set of bench cards to help them navigate legal issues that come before them.

New Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge Selected
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Brendan J. Sheehan has been chosen by his peers as the court’s next administrative judge. His term begins Jan. 1, 2020.

Justice Stewart Meets with International English Teachers
Twenty-two high school teachers from Eastern Europe and Central Asia met with Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody J. Stewart recently to talk about the judiciary and openness in government.

Justices Get Word about New Tool to Interpret Law
Judges and justices take oaths to uphold the law. But what if they have trouble interpreting it? Along with using the most common methods of precedent and research, Ohio Supreme Court justices recently learned about a relatively new and emerging method.

Ohio Supreme Court Welcomes New Magistrates to the Bench
Thirty-seven new magistrates received a three-day crash course on what it’s like to transition from the bar to the bench during a second annual orientation at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Website Offers Voters Unbiased Information on Judicial Candidates
Data show an information void in Ohio on candidates for judicial seats, but one non-partisan web tool will present voters with unbiased information on all judicial races next month.

Governor Appoints Painesville Municipal Judge
Judge James R. O’Leary was recently appointed as the new judge on the Painesville Municipal Court. Judge O’Leary replaces Judge Michael Cicconetti, who retired.

Students Hear Constitution Week Lessons from Justice Fischer
Justice Patrick F. Fischer drew on personal experiences as a lawyer, judge, and justice to illustrate the meaning of Constitution Day for students, community members, and local officials during a speech at Ashland Universitys.

Governor Appoints Hamilton County Municipal Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine recently appointed Elisa Murphy to serve as a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court. She is replacing Judge Fanon A. Rucker, who resigned.

Survivors Celebrate Graduation from ‘Life-Saving’ Human Trafficking Court
No matter where you look around or inside the Ohio Statehouse, you’re surrounded by history, and those who shaped it.

Sentencing Reform, Case Data Drive Chief Justice’s ‘State of Judiciary’
Every year, judges juggle more than just caseloads. As professionals, they must continue to learn about evolving trends. For the judiciary, there’s no bigger think tank than the Ohio Judicial Conference.

Cleveland Domestic Relations Court Creates Free App for Easy, On-the-Go Information
A Cleveland court is using cutting-edge technology to bring the courtroom closer to the hands of litigants and attorneys.

Justice Donnelly, Record Crowd Exhibit Growth of Magistrates
When a record-setting number of magistrates from across Ohio convened in Columbus, they did so to network, share best practices, and keep up with some of the latest judicial obstacles.

Chief Justice O’Connor Delivers State of the Judiciary Address on Thursday
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will deliver the annual State of the Judiciary address in Columbus on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Court’s New HOPE to Tackle Impaired Driving, Addiction
Nine years ago, Judge John Kolesar brought hope to the Sandusky County courts with the implementation of a specialized docket. Now, he has a new HOPE – honesty, openness, participation, and engagement – as part of a re-branding for his two specialty courts.

Governor Appoints Lawrence County Probate and Juvenile Judge
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced the appointment of Patricia Sanders to serve as a judge on the Lawrence County Probate and Juvenile Court.

Chief Justice Plays Ambassador for Ohio, Drug Courts at Global Conference
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor welcomed judges and staff from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, Albania, Ukraine, and Australia to Ohio and the annual Conference of Court Public Information Officers.

Eighth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Eileen A. Gallagher served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case of whether a 19-year-old man convicted for failing to register as a sex offender had his constitutional rights violated because the reporting requirement was based on a juvenile offense.

Hamilton County Judge Designs Courtroom to Create Calming Atmosphere
Walking into a courtroom for the first time can be a scary experience. But Hamilton County Domestic Relations Judge Amy Searcy is trying to change that by transforming the nature of the space.

Drug Court Graduation Illustrates Many Ties to Addiction
The path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a lifelong journey. But along the way there are numerous milestones to celebrate.

Ninth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Jennifer Hensal served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case on whether an owner can collect damages from a pawnshop that sold her stolen jewelry.

OVI Court Transforms Participants, Presiding Judge
Specialized dockets are geared to enlighten and change the lives of participants heading down a wrong path.

Ohio Probate, Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Court Judges Cited for Innovation
The Ohio Association of Probate Judges (OAPJ), made up of probate, domestic relations, and juvenile court judges, convened its annual meeting with plaudits for innovation on the bench.

Governor Appoints Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine today appointed a judge to fill an empty seat left open in Cuyahoga County after a judge received a federal judgeship.

Veterans Court’s Mission of Encouraging Better Fathers
A Summit County veterans court’s participants are not only a band of brothers trying to help each other through the trauma that led most – if not all – of its participants into the criminal justice system. Many are fathers trying to fix frayed relationships with their families.

New Toolkit Allows Ohio Judges and Magistrates to Help At-Risk Adults
The Ohio Supreme Court has released a new resource to help probate judges and magistrates prevent the growing number of Ohio’s elderly population from being abused, neglected, and exploited.

Justice to Jam at Cleveland Concert for Charity
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly will be showing off his guitar playing skills, with a host of other judges and lawyers performing music, June 19 at the 11th Annual Jam for Justice in Cleveland.

Reflections from the Bench, Episode 5: Former Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews former Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton in the fifth episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Three Visiting Judges Hear Oral Arguments
Three judges from district appeals courts throughout the state today served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court for oral arguments.

Chief Justice Awarded Ohio’s Top Legal Honor
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has devoted her career to improving the justice system. It’s a passion that resulted in her receiving the state’s highest legal honor.

Judge-Turned-Journalism Prof Teaches Media Skills at Judicial Orientation
Months after their first crash course on courtroom conduct, Ohio’s newest crop of first-time judges returned to the Supreme Court for four days of orientation on many more subjects, including effective ways of working with the media.

Seventh District Judge Sits on Ohio Supreme Court
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Cheryl L. Waite served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today involving a case on whether state law requires that a canine must be previously designated a “dangerous dog” before restitution can be sought from the owner.

Growing Cases & Complexities of Autism in Ohio’s Courts
Despite decades of looking over legal documents, Licking County Magistrate Bill Rickrich is always learning something new.

April Brings Awareness to Judges’ Year-Round Work against Child Abuse
For lawyers who go the judiciary route, their judgeships can lead to any number of courts. But the ones that become callings, tend to be the most personal.

Appellate Judges, Akron Alums Return to School for Oral Arguments
Years ago, all the current judges on the Ninth District Court of Appeals sat in lecture halls as University of Akron students. This week, they showed current law students where their education can take them.

Second District Judges Hold Oral Arguments at Alma Mater
The present met the past for three Second District Court of Appeals judges during last week’s oral arguments.

First District Judge Wins Award for Female Empowerment in Cincinnati
First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas will be recognized as one of Cincinnati’s most outstanding career women by the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.

Reflections from the Bench, Episode 4: Former Justice Herb Brown
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews former Justice Herb Brown in the fourth episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Women’s History Month: Female Justices Proof of Social Change
There are a lot of portraits and sculptures of famous faces, such as George Washington and the seven Ohioans who became U.S. presidents.

Two New Common Pleas Judges Appointed
Gov. Mike DeWine today appointed two judges to fill empty seats on county common pleas courts.

Justice Donnelly Shares Experiences, Suggestions with Criminal Sentencing Commission
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly was drawn to the legal profession by the desire to make a difference.

Ninth District Judge Hears Oral Arguments
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Thomas A. Teodosio served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether a conviction on assault charge can be appealed while a rape charge is pending.

Third District Court of Appeals Judge Hears Oral Arguments
Third District Court of Appeals Judge William R. Zimmerman served as a visiting judge on the case involving whether a zoning commission correctly assessed evidence when denying a request to mine for sand and gravel.

Governor Appoints Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge
Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Frederick D. Nelson to serve as a judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals. He assumes office Monday.

Ohio Judge Speaks at United Nations Commission Promoting Women
Her audience was the world. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands was a presenter at the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

New Magistrates Changing Legal Course
As Ohio’s 64 newly-elected judges are getting increasingly comfortable with life on the bench after a couple months into their tenure, another group of legal professionals are in the midst of learning how to lead a courtroom for the first time.

Justice Stewart Holds ‘Inspiring’ Session with Urban Affairs Students
Justice Melody J. Stewart gave students insights on the inner workings of the Ohio Supreme Court and her transition from a court of appeals judge to a sitting justice when she met this week with Cleveland State University’s College of Urban Affairs.

Governor Appoints Three Judges to Bench
Gov. Mike DeWine recently appointed three judges to fill seats left open after the November election.

Pioneering Justice’s Impact Felt on Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling
There are many historic names and faces enshrined at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. Few have the kind of lasting legacy of Justice Robert Duncan.

Second District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Second District Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey E. Froelich served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments involving a case to determine whether a worker who was fired can sue a county that publicized her termination.

Reflections from the Bench: Episode 3, Former Justice Yvette McGee Brown
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews former Justice Yvette McGee Brown in the third episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Judges Asked to Spread Awareness during National Judicial Outreach Week
Judges across the country are being encouraged to engage with their communities as part of a nationwide program to help inform and educate the public about the importance of courts and upholding the rule of law.

Eighth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Frank D. Celebrezze Jr. served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case on whether a medical equipment company waited too long to assert in a class action lawsuit that employees signed arbitration agreements.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Gets Award for Campaign Against Issue 1
A leading force in defeating a measure that would have changed the Ohio Constitution received an award for her efforts last fall against Issue 1.

Justice Stewart Starts Tenure as First African-American Woman Elected to Supreme Court
At 215 years old, the Ohio Supreme Court is full of history, but it’s most recent milestone wasn’t a decision. It was an addition.

Reflections from the Bench, Episode 2: Former Justice Andy Douglas
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews former Justice Andy Douglas in the second episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Justice Donnelly Relishing Jump from Trial Court to Supreme Court
A new year and a new court is in session with two new justices on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Two Appellate Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Two appeals court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today in cases involving whether a court has permanent jurisdiction to review a juvenile’s sex-offender status and whether a conviction for a minor misdemeanor must list a punishment or sentence.

Ohio, Michigan Supreme Court Justices Will Meet to Settle Football Bet, Emphasize Legal Aid
What started as a friendly wager between two state supreme court justices rooting for their beloved college football teams will end in an even friendlier meeting when they highlight legal aid and pro bono work in their respective states.

Deadline Set for Judges, Magistrates, and Judicial Candidates to File Financial Disclosure Reports
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today reminded judges, magistrates, and judicial candidates of their annual financial disclosure requirements.

Governor Appoints Akron Municipal Court Judge
Governor John R. Kasich recently appointed Ann Marie O’Brien to serve on the Akron Municipal Court. She replaces Judge Kathryn Michael, who was elected to the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Governor Appoints New Judges to Replace Jurists Heading to Ohio Supreme Court
As two new Ohio Supreme Court justices are set to take office this week, Gov. John R. Kasich recently appointed two judges who will take their vacant seats.

Governor Appoints Two Municipal Judges to Bench
Gov. John R. Kasich recently appointed two judges to fill empty seats left open after the November 2018 election.

Newly-Elected Judges Get Crash Course on the Bench during Mock Trials
Every New Year comes with new optimism. In 2019, that same belief will extend to Ohio’s 64 newly-elected judges and justices, dozens of whom will work behind the bench for the first time in their legal careers.

Governor Appoints Clark County Municipal Judge
Judge Stephen A. Schumaker was recently appointed as a new judge on the Clark County Municipal Court.

Reflections from the Bench, Episode 1: Former Justice Paul E. Pfeifer
Justice Patrick F. Fischer interviews former Justice Paul E. Pfeifer in the first episode of “Reflections from the Bench.”

Newly Elected Ohio Judges Learn the Ropes
It didn’t really hit Thomas Beridon that he will be starting a new chapter of his career until he tried on a robe for the first time this week during a mock trial instructional session.

Reflections from the Bench: Oral Histories from Former Justices
Titled “Reflections from the Bench,” Justice Fischer hosts the program, which details justices’ lives before, during, and after the judiciary.

Justice DeGenaro Departs from the Court
For children, there are things that shape the rest of their lives. For Ohio Supreme Court Justice Mary DeGenaro, it was a book and a film.

Board Announces 2019 Judicial Candidate Seminar Schedule
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced the 2019 schedule of seminars for judicial candidates, including three live seminars and two video replays.

New Judge Appointed in Troy
Gov. John Kasich recently appointed magistrate Scott R. Altenburger to serve as a judge on the Miami County Probate/Juvenile Court. His term began Nov. 26, 2018, replacing Judge W. McGregor “Greg” Dixon Jr., who retired.

Justice French Backs Buckeyes in Bet with Michigan Supreme Court Justice
Two iconic college football programs and their fan bases won’t be the only ones with bragging rights on the line this weekend. A pair of state Supreme Court justices will also be intently watching “The Game.”

Governor Appoints Knox County Juvenile and Probate Judge
Judge Jay W. Nixon was recently appointed as the new Knox County juvenile/probate judge.

Barr Sworn in as New Meigs County Judge
Judge Michael L. “Mick” Barr was sworn in today as the new Meigs County Court judge.

Fallout
The repeated return of individuals into the criminal justice system has pressed Ohio courts to learn about trauma and its role in some actions that lead to legal trouble. By grasping how trauma disrupts lives, courts diminish conflicts during proceedings, curtail recidivism, and improve outcomes for the individuals and for the judicial system.

Judges Donnelly, Stewart Win Seats on Ohio Supreme Court
In a high-profile election year for state and federal races, Ohio’s judicial elections stood out for the change created with this week’s results: two newly elected Supreme Court justices, 14 defeated incumbents, and 49 attorneys who won their first judicial seats.

Justice French, Federal Appeals Judge Discuss Value of State Constitutions and Courts
A former state solicitor and current federal appeals judge has made it a career mission to raise awareness about the importance of state entities when handling or ruling on local issues. It’s a position shared by his one-time colleague: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French.

First Female Ohio Supreme Court Justice Featured on Columbus Mural
Positioned on a busy corner in downtown Columbus stands a mural dedicated to historic Ohio leaders who dedicated their lives to advancing social change.

Professional Conduct Board Certifies Nine Cases
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has announced the certification of nine new cases for formal disciplinary proceedings.

Ashtabula County Drug Court Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Graduates who have successfully battled their addiction to drugs recently gathered to celebrate Ashtabula County Drug Court’s 10th anniversary.

Governor Appoints Youngstown Municipal Court Judge
Renee M. DiSalvo has been appointed by Gov. John Kasich to serve as a judge on the Youngstown Municipal Court.

Board of Professional Conduct Announces November Hearings
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced November disciplinary hearings involving attorneys and judges charged with professional misconduct.

Ohio Voters to Consider More than 160 Judicial Seats in November Election
November’s general election in Ohio includes 164 judicial seats at the state, appellate, common pleas, and county court levels and nearly 240 candidates vying for those seats. Included are two openings on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio Disciplinary Professionals Discuss #MeToo Movement and Its Impact
As the #MeToo movement maintains its impact across the nation, the legal experts continue to weigh in on its effect on the profession.

Court Modifies Rule on Attorney Resignation, Retirement
The Ohio Supreme Court adopted one amendment to the Rules for the Government of the Bar involving attorney resignation and permanent retirement.

Court Asks For Public Comment on Rules Videotaping Jurors
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comment until Nov. 21 on a proposed amendment that would generally prohibit filming and videotaping jurors or prospective jurors.

Justice Fischer Preaches Professionalism, Mentorship at Student to Lawyer Symposium
Supreme Court Justice Patrick Fischer was once just a face in the crowd, listening to what his peers and predecessors had to say. Now, after years of standing out in the private then public sector, others absorbed his words of wisdom at the Ohio Supreme Court’s Student to Lawyer Symposium in Columbus.

Human Trafficking Survivor, Treatment Court Graduates Discuss Dark Details of Addiction
People with different backgrounds from different parts of the state who are bound by their criminal struggles with substance addiction came together to share their battles and triumphs during the 14th annual Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Dockets Conference.

Ohio Board of Professional Conduct Issues Advisory on Advertising Law Degrees
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has issued an advisory opinion concerning the advertisement by lawyers of their juris doctor degrees and other earned academic degrees and professional licenses.

Board of Professional Conduct Files Disciplinary Case Reports and Recommendations
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced it has filed 10 disciplinary case reports with the Ohio Supreme Court.

Drug and Veterans Court Graduates Will Be Featured at Supreme Court Conference
Four specialized court graduates will tell their recovery stories at the Ohio Supreme Court’s Specialized Dockets Conference at Ohio State University on Oct. 11 and 12.

Justice French Welcomes, Educates Ohio Dominican Students about the Supreme Court
With the school year in full swing, that means thousands of students will explore the confines of the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center where they will not only receive a history lesson, but get an education in law.

Board of Professional Conduct Announces October Hearings
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has set its hearing schedule for October. All hearings take place before a three-member panel of the board and are open to the public.

Veterans’ Court Helping Service Members Stay Clean, Adjust to Life after Combat
Every Monday afternoon, Courtroom 12B in Franklin County Municipal Court goes through its usual docket. Unlike most people under community control, those who are part of the military and veterans’ services specialized docket (MAVS) are connected through another kind of commitment.

Partners in Justice
Magistrates accept pleas, handle hearings, conduct jury trials, and author decisions in courts throughout the state. Working with the judges who assign them to perform these duties, Ohio’s magistrates have become integral to the operation of the state’s justice system.

Chief Justice Praises Peers at Magistrates Conference, Presents Perils of Issue 1
If anyone can appreciate the unique role magistrates play in the Ohio judicial system, it’s former probate court magistrate and current Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice, Maureen O’Connor.

New Judicial College Course Explores Bail and Access to Justice Issues
Ohio has been a national leader among state courts in providing education to judicial officers on the issue of fines, fees, and court costs.

Chief Justice Says Proposed Issue 1 Amendment ‘Disturbing,’ Calls on Judges to ‘Save Lives’ in State of the Judiciary
The Ohio Judicial Conference’s annual meeting is a time when judges can reflect on the state of Ohio’s courts. But before they can look ahead to what needs done, it helps to acknowledge what’s been done and those who’ve done it.

Chief Justice to Receive Award for Judicial Excellence
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will be honored today as this year’s recipient of the Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence.

Victims of Attorney Theft Awarded More Than $200,000 from Lawyers' Fund
The Board of Commissioners of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has awarded $208,525 to 14 victims of attorney theft during its board meeting Friday in Columbus.

Cases Certified to Disciplinary Board
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct has announced the certification of four new cases for formal disciplinary proceedings.

Specialized Dockets Will Take Center Stage at Supreme Court Conference
Top experts in drug, veteran, and mental health courts will gather at Ohio State University on Oct. 11 and 12 to share ideas on how to improve care for those who get in trouble with the law while facing drug, alcohol, and mental health problems.

Chief Justice O’Connor Cites ‘Catastrophic’ Effects if State Issue 1 Passes This Fall
Too many people in our criminal justice system are there because of substance abuse disorders. This is undeniable. We know that substance abuse disorders are a major driver in criminal justice spending. We also know that through long-term treatment and therapy, those addicted can lead law-abiding, productive lives.

Justices Among Legal Minds Connecting, Learning at Annual OSBA Convention
While Supreme Court justices hear dozens of oral arguments each year, there are numerous events and engagements outside their courtroom where they can be heard.

September Disciplinary Hearings Announced
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced September disciplinary hearings involving attorneys and judges charged with professional misconduct.

Court Seeks Public Comment on Pre-Trial Release in Criminal Cases
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comment on amendments for the annual update to the Rules of Practice and Procedure, including those concerning waiver of service and pre-trial release in criminal cases.

Justice Files
The Ohio Supreme Court has resided in several homes since it first met in 1803, including the Ohio Statehouse and its Judiciary Annex, pictured below and completed in 1901. The justices who’ve walked the Court’s halls each helped to mold the institution’s legal legacy.

Supreme Court Hosts National Conference on Criminal Sentencing Reform
Representatives of state sentencing commissions from across the nation gathered for three days in Columbus this week to share ideas and experiences about enhancing justice and ensuring fair sentencing.

Court Makes Changes on Designation or Election of Administrative Judges
The Ohio Supreme Court has adopted changes concerning the designation of an administrative judge in a multi-division municipal court.

Ohio Supreme Court Unveils Specialized Docket Interactive Map
Specialized docket courts are growing by leaps and bounds in Ohio, and now there’s a resource at the public’s fingertips to access key information about veteran, drug, and mental health courts.

Board of Professional Conduct Issues Advisory Opinions Concerning Magistrate Campaign Activities and Website Names
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today issued two advisory opinions concerning the political and campaign activities of magistrates and the ethical limitations of lawyer and law firm website domain names as a form of advertising.

Ohio Judge Elected to National Alliance on Mental Illness Board
Fairfield Municipal Judge Joyce A. Campbell was recently elected to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) board of directors.

Board of Professional Conduct Files Disciplinary Case Reports and Recommendations
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced it has filed five disciplinary case reports with the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Governor Appoints Belmont County Court Judge
Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich has appointed Judge Albert E. Davies to the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas.

Twelfth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Michael E. Powell served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today.

Supreme Court Seeks Comments on Rules Updating Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Orders
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comments until Oct. 12 on proposed changes to keep domestic violence, stalking, and juvenile protection orders current and relevant.

Donning the Supreme Court Robe for a Day
For all of us, there's no telling where life's road will lead. That's certainly the case for any judge lucky enough to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court, even for just a day.

Tenth District Judge Brown Hears Supreme Court Case
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Susan Brown served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court Wednesday.

Court Releases Updated Probate Bench Cards
Ohio probate judges will now have updated bench cards to help them navigate legal issues that come before them.

Ohio Judges and Lawyers Learn Ideas to Prevent Sexual Harassment
The heightened sense to change workplace culture and eliminate harassment that started with high-profile accusations in entertainment and politics is being addressed from the very top of Ohio’s judicial branch.

Governor Appoints Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge
Gov. John R. Kasich appointed Jeffery S. Rezabek to serve the unexpired term as a judge on the Montgomery County Juvenile Court.

Mark E. Kuhn Appointed Scioto County Judge
Ohio Gov. John Kasich has appointed prosecuting attorney Mark E. Kuhn to the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas. His term begins July 9.

Ohio Drug Courts Learn Best Practices
Drug court prosecutor Carrie Charles is in the bull's-eye of the opioid crisis in Ross County.

Victims of Attorney Theft Awarded Money from Lawyers' Fund
The Board of Commissioners of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection has awarded $141,440 to 22 victims of attorney theft at its most recent meeting.

Board of Professional Conduct Files Disciplinary Case Reports and Recommendations
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced that it has filed 12 disciplinary case reports with the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Sixth District Judge Mayle Hears Supreme Court Case
Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Christine E. Mayle served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether sports teams must pay tax on promotional items at a sporting event.

First District Judge Zayas Hears Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether police violated an Ohio man’s constitutional rights when searching and seizing marijuana candy in his car.

Supreme Court Seeks Public Comment on Assignment of Appellate Court Cases
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comment until July 5 on a proposed rule that would require appellate court cases to be randomly assigned to judges of that court.

Ohio Courts Learn About Civil Justice Initiative
Ohioans deserve a civil legal process that can fairly and promptly resolve disputes, yet with runaway costs and delays, our civil justice system often fails to meet this standard.

First District Judge Cunningham Hears Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Penelope R. Cunningham served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case involving whether a medical malpractice lawsuit originally filed in Indiana was submitted too late in Ohio.

Court Revises CLE Requirements and Orientation for Magistrates
The Ohio Supreme Court announced today that amendments have been adopted requiring new magistrates to complete an orientation program within a 12-month-period and making changes to Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements for magistrates.

New Grand Jury Video Debuts at Ohio Courts
The Ohio Supreme Court is releasing a new grand jury video and pamphlet available to all Ohio judges, courts, and schools as a way to educate potential grand jury members and the public.

Chief Justice Awards Court Technology Grants to Four Southeast Counties
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor traveled to Athens, Gallia, Lawrence, and Vinton counties last week to award court technology grants.

Springfield High School Wins 2018 Ohio Moot Court Competition
The best-of-the-best competitors faced off at the third annual high school moot court competition on Friday, May 4 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Judge Myers Substitutes for Recused Justice on Ohio Supreme Court
First District Court of Appeals Judge Beth A. Myers served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case on whether oil and gas professionals are required to be licensed real estate brokers.

Voters to Consider Candidates for More than 130 Judge Seats in Primary Election
Included on voters’ partisan ballots during Tuesday’s primary election are 132 judge seats located throughout Ohio.

Driverless Cars in the Fast Lane: The Legal Questions
The big auto companies are speeding up testing to get driverless cars on American roads.

Ohio Supreme Court Addresses Child Welfare Safety
The Ohio Supreme Court’s Children and Families Section invited judges, prosecutors, child welfare agencies, and experts to a recent forum to try to improve collaboration in child welfare cases.

Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial & Education Services Division Receives 2018 Jury Award of Excellence
The Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial & Education Services Division was the recipient of the 2018 Award of Excellence from the Ohio Jury Management Association (OJMA).

Three Appellate Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Three appeals court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today, in cases involving whether a trial court has jurisdiction to enforce its injunction against red light cameras and whether a bank can foreclose on a house without a federally required face-to-face meeting with the borrower.

Putnam County Students Watch Justices in Action at Off-Site Court
Hundreds of Putnam County students watched the 75th edition of Ohio Supreme Court oral arguments when the Court’s Off-Site program visited Ottawa.

Ohio Judicial Conference Examines Science & the Law
Vassar College Professor and neuroscientist Abigail Baird told a roomful of Ohio judges how science can explain why teenagers end up in trouble — and in the Ohio court system.

New Judicial College Courses Feature Opioids & Cost of Justice
From opioids and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to legal advice and ethics, Ohio judges and court staff are learning from new courses online.

Summit Focuses on Protecting Children in Domestic Violence Cases
A consortium of state agencies gathered at a local conference aimed at helping end the cycle of domestic abuse for Ohio children.

New Magistrates Learn the Ropes
It’s not easy transitioning from the bar to the bench.

Making the Case for Medication to Fight Opioid Addiction
As the opioid crisis spins out of control in Ohio, local courts and mental health agencies came together at the State Library of Ohio to train criminal justice professionals on how to safely incorporate medication assisted treatment in drug courts.

Juvenile Court Partners Meet to Improve Efficiency
When Christopher Loos was a kid in foster care, he used to rap – or converse – regularly with court and children’s services staff. Now 20 and on his own, he performs rap – the musical variety – and recently showed his talents to the staffers from his youth.

Governor Appoints McNicol to Columbiana County Municipal Court
Columbiana County assistant prosecutor Timothy J. McNicol will soon be on the other side of the bench after his appointment today by Gov. John Kasich to the Columbiana County Municipal Court.

Former OSU Football Star Speaks at Ohio Supreme Court’s Black History Month Event
The theme of redemption was at the heart of a speech delivered by former Ohio State football great Maurice Clarett, the keynote speaker at the Ohio Supreme Court’s Black History Month event.

Three Appellate Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Three appeals court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today on a case involving the constitutionality of charging an adult for illegally possessing firearms based on a juvenile offense.

In Depth: A Life in Law
The paths into the legal profession are many. In honor of Black History Month, several African-American attorneys and judges shared their inspirations and talked about life in the law.

Chief Justice Welcomes Teachers to Government in Action Forum
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor welcomed 30 government and history teachers from around the state to the Thomas. J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Fourth District Judge Sits on Ohio Supreme Court Bench for Case
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge William H. Harsha served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today to hear oral arguments in a civil case involving whether a city failed to maintain a public road.

Fifth District Judge Sits on the Ohio Supreme Court Bench for Case
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge W. Scott Gwin served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today to hear oral arguments in the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow case.

Ohio Judges Trained on Cutting the Conflict for Elderly Care
Ohio is at the forefront of a program aimed at helping resolve family disputes when it comes to taking care of their elderly loved ones.

Court Accepting Comments on Proposed Amendments Involving Administrative Judges
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comment until March 14 on proposed amendments concerning the designation or election of an administrative judge in a multi-division municipal court.

Chief Justice Addresses Opioid Epidemic at Nevada Conference
With an average of 12 Ohioans dying each day of drug overdoses, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor addressed the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) in Henderson, Nevada, this week to talk about the fight from a legal perspective.

Mary DeGenaro Sworn in as Ohio’s 159th Justice
Mary DeGenaro, appointed as the 159th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court by Gov. John R. Kasich, was sworn in today by Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor for a term beginning Sunday.

Governor Appoints Elyria Municipal Court Judge
Gov. John Kasich appointed Robert C. White of LaGrange (Lorain County) to serve as a judge on the Elyria Municipal Court. His term begins Feb. 6, 2018.

Macedonian Legal Scholars Visit Downtown Cincinnati
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. Fischer welcomed a group of judges, journalists, and legal experts from Macedonia this week.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Welcomes New Judges
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor welcomed 53 judges to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center this week.

Chief Justice Issues Statement
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Supreme Court of Ohio issued this statement today: “I condemn in no uncertain terms Justice O’Neill’s Facebook post. No words can convey my shock.This gross disrespect for women shakes the public’s confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.”

Eight Incumbent Judges Lose Municipal Court Seats
On an Election Day when voters in 52 Ohio counties elected 109 municipal court judges, eight challengers beat incumbent judges in Butler, Cuyahoga, Lucas, and Summit counties.

Ohio Supreme Court Hears Case of Removed Judge
The Ohio Supreme Court will decide whether a former Cuyahoga Common Pleas judge should be disbarred from practicing law for life.

Ohio Supreme Court Hears Fracking Case
Marietta was the setting for Ohio Supreme Court oral arguments on the controversial practice known as fracking.

Judicial Voter Website Offers Profiles of Municipal Judge Candidates
Ohio voters can use Judicial Votes Count, the state’s only nonpartisan, statewide judicial election resource, to learn more about municipal court candidates before casting their ballots in the November general election.

Unjust Fines, Fees, and Bails Lead Discussion at American Judges Association Conference
Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor kicked off the American Judges Association conference in Cleveland this week by talking about the ongoing impact that court fines, fees, and bails have on communities, especially low-income defendants.

Youngstown Judge Substitutes for Recused Justice on Ohio Supreme Court
A Youngstown appeals court judge served in a temporary capacity today on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Retired Judge and Dispute Resolution Program Recognized at Judicial Conference
Former Wood County Judge Charles Kurfess received the 2017 Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence last week during the two-day meeting of the Ohio Judicial Conference in Columbus.

Chief Justice Addresses Courthouse Safety in State of the Judiciary Speech
In the wake of the shooting of Jefferson County Judge Joseph Bruzzese, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor reminded judges of the real potential for violence they can face just doing their jobs.

Governor Appoints New Clark County Common Pleas Judge
South Charleston (Clark County) lawyer Robert Vaughn will leave his job as associate professor and assistant university counsel at Cedarville University and take the bench on the Clark County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division.

Chief Justice Addresses Alma Mater
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor headed back to her alma mater at Cleveland Marshall School of Law to encourage students to get out of their academic comfort zone.

Chief Justice Issues Statement on Shooting
Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor issued the following statement today on the shooting in Steubenville of Jefferson County Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph J. Bruzzese Jr.

Global Legal Delegates Visit the Supreme Court
A pair of international legal delegates toured the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center as part of what’s called the Columbus International Program’s “Rule of Law.”

Ohio Chief Justice O’Connor Named to Lead Two National Court Organizations
Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has been elected president of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Board of Directors.

Marietta Celebrates Historical Milestone
As bagpipes played in Marietta, members of the Southeastern Ohio chapters of the Sons of the Revolution celebrated a full presentation of colors.

Rule Changes Alter Term Length for Presiding, Administrative Judges
Under rule changes adopted by the Ohio Supreme Court, local courts can set longer terms for presiding and administrative judges.

Ohio Judge to Head National Juvenile Judge Council
When Judge Tony Capizzi isn’t handing down verdicts in the kitchen, he has his hands full offering tough love from the bench.

Governor Fills Fremont Municipal Court Vacancy
Attorney Daniel L. Brudzinski will become Judge Brudzinski two weeks from today after his appointment to the Fremont Municipal Court on July 7 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Judicial Committee of Constitutional Group Issues Final Report
The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission’s judicial committee has issued a final report containing four recommendations with one centered on grand juries.

Judge Substitutes for Recused Justice on Ohio Supreme Court
A Columbus appeals court judge served in a temporary capacity today on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Governor Signs Bill into Law Creating Perry County Municipal Court
Perry County voters will cast ballots in the November general election for the first Perry County Municipal Court judge, as Gov. John Kasich signed into law today a bill creating the court.

The Art of eFiling: Clicks and Digits Relieve Stress
His anxiety never reached panic level, but Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor Daniel T. Van sweated through some close calls when filing paper documents with the Ohio Supreme Court.

New ‘On The Record’ Podcast Spotlights Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court has started a regular podcast available for streaming and downloading on the court’s website.

Governor Fills Two Summit County Court Vacancies
Gov. John R. Kasich filled two vacancies on Summit County courts on June 2.

Class in Session for Ohio Judges
From the bar to the bench, the journey to becoming a judge can be daunting.

Governor Fills Middletown Municipal Court Vacancy
Middletown defense attorney Melynda Cook Howard was appointed by Gov. John R. Kasich on May 26 to the Middletown Municipal Court.

Three Judges Substitute for Recused Justices on Ohio Supreme Court
Three district appeals court judges served in a temporary capacity this month on the Ohio Supreme Court.

2017 Ohio Moot Court Takes Stage
A group of distinguished judges and attorneys heard ten high Schools face off last week at the Ohio Moot Court Competition.

Governor Fills Sandusky County Court Vacancy
A Fremont Municipal Court judge will become the newest Sandusky County Common Pleas Court judge after his appointment on May 8 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Lucas County Judge to Deliver UT Law Commencement
Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Myron C. Duhart will deliver the keynote address at the University of Toledo College of Law’s commencement at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6, in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium.

Seven Communities Elect Judicial Candidates to Move on to General Election
Seven communities across the state held contested races for municipal court judgeships in primaries May 2.

Judicial Profile: Dan Favreau, Morgan County
Judge Dan Favreau wears one robe, but he wears many hats in Morgan County.

Governor Fills Findlay Municipal Court Vacancy
Gov. John R. Kasich appointed Alan D. Hackenberg on April 21 to serve as a judge on the Findlay Municipal Court.

Governor Fills Fulton County Court Vacancy
Gov. John R. Kasich appointed a Fulton County assistant prosecutor on April 19 to a vacancy on the Fulton County Court Western District.

National Resource Guides Trial Courts Through High-Profile Cases
Ohio trial courts have a new resource to turn to when confronted with high-profile cases.

Governor Fills Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
Vandalia attorney Erik Blaine will become the newest Montgomery County Common Pleas Court judge on May 18 after his appointment on April 11 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Two Judges Substitute for Recused Justices on Ohio Supreme Court
Two district appeals court judges served in a temporary capacity this week on the Ohio Supreme Court. One of the two judges heard oral arguments at the Supreme Court for the first time.

Governor Fills Summit County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
Barberton Municipal Court Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger will become the newest Summit County Common Pleas Court judge on April 3 after her appointment on March 17 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Cleveland Housing Court Vacancy
The Director of the Cleveland Department of Building and Housing will fill a vacant judgeship on the Cleveland Housing Court after his appointment March 14 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
Cincinnati lawyer Curt C. Hartman will join the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court a week from today after his appointment on March 10 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Ohio Supreme Court Holds Swearing-in Ceremony for Justice Fischer
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick F. Fischer took his ceremonial oath of office during a March 1 courtroom ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

Governor Fills First District Vacancy
Gov. John R. Kasich on Feb. 24 filled the other vacancy on the First District Court of Appeals created by the election of two new Ohio Supreme Court justices.

Governor Fills Appellate Court Vacancy
Gov. John R. Kasich appointed Cincinnati attorney Dennis P. Deters to the First District Court of Appeals on Feb. 23.

Governor Fills Hancock County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
A Hancock County judge will move from one bench for another after his appointment on Feb. 21 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Balance Tips to Women at Nation's Law Schools
The year 2016 marked a notable landmark for women in the ranks of law schools nationwide. For the first time, women who were enrolled in juris doctor programs outnumbered men.

Governor Kasich Fills Three Judicial Vacancies
Vacancies in courts in Akron and Shelby County were filled on Feb. 10 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Ohio Supreme Court Holds Swearing-in Ceremony for Justice DeWine
During a Feb. 9 Courtroom ceremony filled with family and friends, R. Patrick DeWine, the 158th Justice of Ohio Supreme Court, took his ceremonial oath of office.

Four Judges Substitute for Recused Justices on Ohio Supreme Court
Four district appeals court judges served in a temporary capacity this week on the Ohio Supreme Court. Three of the judges heard oral arguments at the Supreme Court for the first time.

Former Justice Lanzinger’s Portrait Dedicated at Supreme Court
At a courtroom ceremony on Feb. 6, the Ohio Supreme Court dedicated the portrait of former Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger.

Governor Fills Butler County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
An acting Middletown Municipal Court judge was appointed to the Butler County Common Pleas Court on Feb. 3 by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Hamilton County Municipal Court Vacancies
Two assistant county prosecutors will become judges on Feb. 6 after their appointment to the Hamilton County Municipal Court by Gov. John R. Kasich on Jan. 27.

Association Elects Municipal, County Judges as Officers
Municipal and county court judges took the oath of office on Monday after being elected to leadership positions by the statewide membership of their association.

Governor Fills Clermont County Municipal Court Vacancy
A senior attorney in the economic crimes division of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office will fill the vacancy on the Clermont County Municipal Court on Feb. 6 after his appointment by Gov. John Kasich on Jan. 20.

Judges Gallagher, Delaney Substitute for Recused Justices on Ohio Supreme Court
Two district appeals court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday and heard oral arguments in a case concerning a workers’ compensation claim by a Girl Scouts employee.

Judge Baldwin Substitutes for Recused Justice on Ohio Supreme Court
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Craig R. Baldwin served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday and heard oral arguments in a case concerning red-light cameras.

Unjust Costs: Court Fines, Fees, and Bail
The lives of many poor, non-violent offenders have been upended and their futures jeopardized by unaffordable court fines, fees, and bail

Governor Fills Gallipolis Municipal Court Vacancy
A Gallia County assistant prosecutor will fill the vacancy on the Gallipolis Municipal Court starting Jan. 16, 2017, after his appointment by Gov. John Kasich on Dec. 29, 2016.

Matia to Lead Common Pleas Judges in 2017
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge David T. Matia will serve as president of the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association for 2017 following his election earlier this month during the group’s annual winter conference.

Supreme Court Adopts Changes to Code of Judicial Conduct
The Ohio Supreme Court announced today the adoption of several changes to the Code of Judicial Conduct, including an increase in judicial campaign contribution limits that take effect Jan. 1, 2017.

Ohio Judicial Conference Names Justice Pfeifer as Executive Director
Retiring Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul E. Pfeifer will join the Ohio Judicial Conference as its new executive director next year, the conference announced today.

Ohio Judicial Conference Names Justice Pfeifer as Executive Director
Retiring Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul E. Pfeifer will join the Ohio Judicial Conference as its new executive director next year, the conference announced today.

Governor Fills Cleveland Municipal Court Vacancy
A Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court magistrate will fill the opening on the Cleveland Municipal Court after his appointment on Dec. 2 by Gov. John Kasich.

Appealing Tenures
Two of Ohio’s longtime justices will say goodbye to the Supreme Court this month.

Erie County Judge to Lead Juvenile Court Judge Association in 2017
Erie County Juvenile Court Judge Robert C. DeLamatre took office Thursday as president of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges for 2017.

Voters Cast Ballots for Two New Justices in General Election
Ohio voters elected a judge from the First District Court Appeals on Nov. 8 for an opening on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Governor Fills Holmes County Municipal Court Vacancy
The opening on the Holmes County Municipal Court will be filled Nov. 18 when Andrew G. Hyde takes the bench. Gov. John Kasich appointed Hyde to the vacancy on Nov. 4.

Board Announces 2017 Judicial Candidate Seminar Schedule
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct today announced the 2017 schedule of seminars for judicial candidates. The 2017 schedule includes three live seminars and two video replays.

Judicial Voter Website Updated to Include County Court Candidates
Profiles of judicial candidates for county court seats have been added to the Judicial Votes Count website (http://www.judicialvotescount.org).

Chief Justice O’Connor Tapped for Federal/State Advisory Role
In December, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will attend her first meeting of a national committee that studies the interplay of issues between federal and state courts and advises the policy-making body for the federal judiciary.

Bench Card Offers Guidance on Sealing of Record, How to Handle Indigent Applications
The Ohio Supreme Court today announced the availability of a bench card regarding sealing criminal records and the proper steps to take to waive fees for those who can’t afford to pay them.

New Ohio Government Class Video Includes Justice French’s Insights into Ohio Constitution
As the daughter of a schoolteacher, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith L. French’s commitment to civic education in Ohio entails traveling to as many high schools as she can to speak with government students.

Ohio Judicial Conference Elects Officers
After his election last week, Clermont County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge James A. Shriver will begin a two-year term as chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference on Oct. 1.

Justice Lanzinger Receives 2016 OCLRE Founders’ Award
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger today received the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) Founders’ Award for her significant contributions to the ideals and development of law-related education.

Chief Justice O’Connor Addresses Opioid Epidemic in State of Judiciary Speech
In the wake of continued fentanyl-related overdose deaths around the state, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor today urged courts and probation departments statewide to screen for fentanyl use among offenders under their supervision.

Proposed Rules Could Alter Length of Terms for Presiding, Administrative Judges
Under proposed rule changes published today for public comment by the Ohio Supreme Court, local courts would be able to set longer terms for presiding and administrative judges.

Governor Appoints Prosecutor to Fill Findlay Municipal Court Vacancy
Hancock County prosecutor Mark C. Miller will become a judge on the Findlay Municipal Court on Sept. 23 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on Sept. 8 to fill a vacancy.

Amendment Would Clarify Lawyers’ Responsibilities In Providing Services to Medical Marijuana Clients
The Ohio Supreme Court today announced a proposed amendment to the Rules of Professional Conduct clarifying the ethical responsibilities of lawyers under the state’s new medical marijuana law.

Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Dowd Dies at 87
Former Justice David D. Dowd Jr., who briefly served on the Ohio Supreme Court in the early 1980s, died today at the age of 87.

Lawrence County Judge Bowling Dies
Nearly four years after learning he had ALS, Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge D. Scott Bowling, 50, who founded the medical mission trip organization Jeremiah 38 Ministries with his wife Donna, died July 31.

Ohio Judicial College Celebrates 40 Years
Four decades ago, Ohio mandated education for its judges, and the Ohio Judicial College was born. This month marks the 40th anniversary.

Juvenile Court Judge Elected President-Elect of National Organization
Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge Anthony Capizzi will serve as president-elect of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for 2016-17 after his election last week by the NCJFCJ Board of Directors.

Justice French Tapped for Federal Judiciary Advisory Committee Role
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith L. French will serve a three-year term on an advisory committee of the federal judiciary’s national policy-making body after her appointment June 13 by U.S. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

Bench Card Offers Guidance on Collection of Court Fines, Costs in Juvenile Court
The Ohio Supreme Court today announced the availability of a bench card for costs, fees, fines, and restitution in juvenile court.

Governor Fills Summit County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
Scot A. Stevenson will become a judge on the Summit County Common Pleas Court on June 15 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on June 10 to fill a vacancy.

Cleveland Metro Bar Honors 103-Year-Old Former Judge
The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association bestowed its President’s Award on Ohio’s oldest living retired judge today at the bar’s annual meeting and inaugural luncheon.

Governor Fills Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Vacancy
Thomas D. Heekin Jr. will become a judge on the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on June 6 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on May 31 to fill a vacancy.

Judge Moore Substitutes for Recused Justice on Ohio Supreme Court
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Carla D. Moore served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in case concerning DNA post-conviction testing for a capital defendant.

New Overtime Rules Could Impact Ohio Court Employees
As with any other sector of the economy, the new overtime rules announced last week by the U.S. Department of Labor may affect employees working in Ohio’s court system.

Ohio Awards $1.6 Million to Juvenile Courts for Detention Alternatives and Security Enhancements
In an effort to reserve detention placement for certain youth, address challenges of troubled youth early, and improve detention services and conditions of confinement, the Ohio Department of Youth Services recently announced $1,628,804 in funding to assist 23 counties through the agency’s new Detention Alternatives and Enhancements Initiative.

Monthly Print Magazine to Become Digital
Court News Ohio Review, a monthly print publication of the Office of Public Information of the Ohio Supreme Court bringing readers the latest in court news since 2012, will now be exclusively digital.

Ohio Committee Looks to Reform Bail and Pretrial Services
Looking to reform pretrial services and bail in Ohio, an Ad Hoc committee of the Ohio Sentencing Commission discussed statewide practices yesterday with national consultants.

Two District Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge William A. Klatt and Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge James D. Jensen served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in two separate cases.

Cleveland Municipal Court, Franklin County Municipal Court Vacancies Filled
Gov. John R. Kasich on April 12 filled vacancies on the Cleveland Municipal Court and the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Afghan Legal, Court Officials Visit Ohio Supreme Court
While the Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 5 about appeals in four cases, lawyers and one judge from Afghanistan were watching from the audience.

Ohio Judicial Conference Director to Retire After 10 Years
Leading the Ohio Judicial Conference since 2006, executive director and retired Judge Mark R. Schweikert on April 1 will be retiring from his post. He said it was a privilege aiding Ohio’s judges.

New Magistrates Get Oriented About Their New Positions
Transitioning from the bar to the bench can be challenging, which is why nearly 40 new magistrates attended a three-day orientation course put on by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial College.

Judicial Contests Set After Primary Election
Voters made selections during yesterday’s primary election for seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, state appeals courts, and common pleas courts.

Cleveland Municipal Court Vacancy Filled
Michael R. Sliwinski, the Ohio Lottery Commission’s assistant legal counsel, will become a judge on the Cleveland Municipal Court on April 4 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on March 14 to fill a vacancy.

Butler County Common Pleas Court Vacancy Filled
Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Gregory S. Stephens will become a judge on the Butler County Common Pleas Court on March 14 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on Feb. 24 to fill a vacancy.

Tenth District Judge Sits on Ohio Supreme Court Bench for Case
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Betsy Luper Schuster served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today to hear oral arguments in a lawyer malpractice case.

Skype Connects Judges in Cleveland and Ukraine
In two offices half a world apart, judges in Cuyahoga County and Kyiv, Ukraine, met on Feb. 17 to discuss how their courts operate.

Top National State Court Leadership Associations Launch National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices
The country’s two national state court leadership associations have formed a National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices to address the ongoing impact that court fines and fees and bail practices have on communities – especially the economically disadvantaged – across the United States.

Lima Municipal Court Vacancy Filled
David A. Rodabaugh, a former Lima law director, will join Judge Tammy K. Hursh on the city’s municipal court on Feb. 18 after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on Jan. 28 to fill a vacancy.

Chief Justice Forms Grand Jury Task Force
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor announced today the formation of the Task Force to Examine Improvements to the Ohio Grand Jury System.

Judicial Profile: Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Arlene Singer
In her chambers at the Sixth District Court of Appeals building in Toledo, Judge Arlene Singer proudly displays her love of science fiction and baseball.

Ohio Municipal, County Judges Association Elects Officers
Municipal and county court judges took the oath of office today after being elected to leadership positions by the statewide membership of the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio.

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Named ‘Great Ohioan’
The late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart has been named one of the “Great Ohioans.” Justice Stewart, professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, and industrialist and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, are the 2016 honorees announced on Jan. 7 by the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Capitol Square Foundation.

Two Ohio Courts Awarded Federal Violence Against Women Grants
Two Ohio courts received federal grants that will enhance their domestic violence services. Painesville Municipal Court and Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court received nearly $100,000 in total funds from the S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Formula Grant Program.

Newest Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Announced
A former magistrate will become a new Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judge starting on Jan. 4, 2016. Gov. John Kasich named Matthew A. McMonagle to sit on the bench and replace former Judge Lance T. Mason, who resigned.

Landefeld to Take Fairfield County Municipal Court Bench on Nov. 23
David L. Landefeld, who won election on Nov. 3 to a full six-year term as a Fairfield County Municipal Court judge, will take his seat early after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on Nov. 17.

Five Incumbent Judges Lose in Municipal Court Election
Voters in 29 Ohio counties yesterday selected municipal court judges. Of the 58 judicial races on the Nov. 3 ballot, 21 (36 percent) were contested with two or more candidates and 37 (64 percent) were uncontested.

Judicial Profile: Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge Julia L. Dorrian
Judge Julia Dorrian has nearly 12 years of service on the bench, with the last four and a half years being at the Tenth District Court of Appeals in Franklin County.

Judicial Candidates: Required Seminar Dates Announced
Ohio Judicial candidates who seek election in 2016 must attend a campaign practices seminar and will have their first opportunity to satisfy this requirement on Dec. 3.

Cleveland Judge Awarded for Leadership to End Domestic Violence
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) today presented Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ronald Adrine with the 2015 Croucher Family Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Low-Income Ohioans Who Need Legal Aid Face Obstacles
There’s a lack of money to support low-income individuals who need legal aid. What to do about that and how to remove other barriers for access to the civil justice system provoked a discussion at the Columbus Metropolitan Club where Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French said it’s not just about providing a lawyer to those who can’t afford one.

Two Judges Honored with the Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence
Former Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard M. Markus and former Stark County Probate Court Judge R. R. Denny Clunk were honored today as recipients of the 2015 Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence at the Ohio Judicial Conference Annual Meeting in Columbus.

Chief Justice Highlights Specialized Dockets During Her State of Judiciary Address
Delivering her State of the Judiciary Address in front of nearly 350 judges, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spoke to what Ohioans expect of their judiciary and reviewed the many programs and activities judges are engaged in to improve the quality of life in Ohio.

New Website Features Information About Judicial Races for Voters Statewide
The first statewide judicial voter education website – JudicialVotesCount.org – launched today to provide Ohioans with information about all of the 2015 judicial races.

Governor Fills Vacant Greene County Judgeship
Gov. John Kasich appointed Adolfo A. Tornichio of Beavercreek on Monday to fill a vacancy on the Greene County Juvenile Court. Tornichio will take the bench on Oct. 1.

Governor Picks New Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge
Next month, a magistrate will become a judge on the Lorain County Common Pleas Court bench. Gov. John Kasich appointed Michele Silva Arredondo to fill the seat left by Judge James M. Burge, who resigned.

Chief Justice Lays Out Plan to Raise Voters’ Awareness About Judicial Elections
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor laid out her plan to make judicial votes count by raising voters’ awareness about judicial candidates to members of the Columbus Metropolitan Club on Aug. 19.

Board Advises Judges Regarding Ethics Requirements Governing Performance of Civil Marriages
Ohio judges who perform civil marriages may not ethically refuse to perform civil marriages involving same-sex couples while continuing to perform marriages involving opposite-sex couples.

Judges Can Count National Judicial College Instruction for Ohio Requirement
The Ohio Supreme Court has adopted a new way for judges to earn judicial continuing legal education (CLE) credit.

New Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Appointed
A familiar face in the central Ohio legal field will sit as the new Franklin County Municipal Court judge starting July 27. Gov. John Kasich appointed Sean V. McCarthy, who most recently served as a judge on the Franklin County Common Pleas Court .

Common Pleas Judge Does It All
“Sometimes I feel like the mom who’s got all these children tugging at her dress wanting your attention,” Judge Kathleen “Kate” Aubry said.

Franklin County Judge Honored by Women’s Leadership Group
Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Laurel A. Beatty has been named one of Women for Economic and Leadership Development’s (WELD) 2016 Women WELDing the Way honorees.

Judges Named to Ohio State Bar Board
Four judges are among the newest members of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) Board of Governors.

Trial Judges Should Prepare for More Tricky Sentencing Issues
Recent Ohio Supreme Court decisions on sentencing for multiple offenses and the pending passage of a law extending the statute of limitations for rape will present challenges for trial court judges, a Cleveland appeals court judge said.

Ohio Supreme Court Order Offers Guidance on Gender Specific Terms
The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order today to provide some guidance to Ohio’s courts governing references to familial relationship terms found in the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio and related forms and the Uniform Domestic Relations Forms found in the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.

Governor Fills Vacant Clinton County Judgeship
Gov. John Kasich today appointed the New Vienna and Clarksville solicitor/prosecutor to fill a judicial vacancy on the Clinton County Municipal Court.

Governor Fills Vacant Warren County Judgeship
Gov. John Kasich today appointed a former State Representative and Mason City Councilman to fill a judicial vacancy on the Warren County Common Pleas Court.

Seventh District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary DeGenaro today served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Cuyahoga County Judge Among Recipients of Bar Association Awards
Two northeast Ohio judges were honored today by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) at its annual meeting and inaugural luncheon.

Preparing for Ohio’s New Adult Guardianship Rules
A video scenario highlights the educational coursework being developed by the Supreme Court’s Ohio Judicial College to help those who serve as adult guardians with new requirements under rules that take effect on June 1.

Lawyers Present Franklin County Judge with Award
Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark A. Serrott has been awarded the 2015 George E. Tyack Award for Judicial Excellence by the Central Ohio Association for Justice (COAJ).

Committee to Examine Criminal Code Meets for First Time
When Ohio lawmakers passed a bill last year that would examine the state’s criminal laws, the Criminal Justice Recodification Committee was formed.

Ohioans Choose Municipal Court Candidates for November
A four-way race for the vacant Clinton County Municipal Court judgeship highlighted a relatively quiet primary election night Tuesday for the state’s judiciary.

Ohio Judges Reminded to Use Qualified Interpreters
Ohio judges on Tuesday were reminded about the court rules and laws for appointing qualified interpreters for people who don’t speak English or are deaf or hard of hearing.

Juvenile Judges Train To Help Ohio’s Youngest
Judges who preside over cases for Ohio’s youngest citizens recently participated in the first two Safe and Together Regional training seminars in Dayton and Columbus.

Law Day and the Magna Carta
Since President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958, May 1 commemorates the country’s pledge to the rule of law.

Former Justice’s Play Offers Insights Into Former Presidents
He likes presidential history. He likes poker. So for former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Herb Brown one way to explore the hypothetical interaction between some of history’s most influential and controversial presidents is to put them together at the poker table where the stakes are high.

Judge Wins Prestigious National Award
Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert today received a national award from the U.S. Department of Justice in recognition of his efforts in combating the human trafficking cycle.

Hamilton County Municipal Court Vacancy Filled
A Hamilton County assistant prosecutor will sit on the bench for the first time.

Governor Fills Vacancy on Fairfield County Municipal Court
James A. Fields will join Judge Patrick N. Harris on the Fairfield County Municipal Court on April 30 after Gov. John R. Kasich appointed Fields Thursday to the bench.

Governor Fills Judicial Vacancies in Monroe, Belmont Counties
Two individuals with judicial experience were appointed to judgeships on Friday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Vacancy on Jefferson County Court
On April 13, Lisa K. Ferguson will become the newest judge on the Jefferson County Court, after her appointment on Tuesday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Akron Municipal Court Vacancy Filled
Gov. John Kasich appointed an Akron attorney to fill a judicial vacancy on the Akron Municipal Court.

Governor Fills Vacancy on Conneaut Municipal Court
Carl L. DiFranco will begin his service as Conneaut Municipal Court judge on April 6, after his appointment on Monday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Vacancy on Bedford Municipal Court
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Ohio House member will take the bench on March 23 after his appointment today by Gov. John Kasich to the Bedford Municipal Court.

Eleventh District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice today served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Two Common Pleas Judges Appointed to the Bench
Gov. John Kasich appointed a municipal judge and an attorney to assume new roles.

Gov. Kasich Appoints First District Judge
A Cincinnati attorney will sit on the bench for the first time as the newest member of the First District Court of Appeals.

Courts Follow in Footsteps of Ohio Supreme Court Female Majority
Now in its fifth year with four women on the bench, Ohio’s Supreme Court continues its longest consecutive streak with a female majority.

Court Roundtable Meetings to Resume
A program established by the Ohio Supreme Court as a way for judges, magistrates, and other court personnel to get together to share ideas and concerns will begin a new round of meetings in 2015.

New Crawford County Municipal Court Judge Has Familiar Name
The last name is the same, but a different Leuthold will become judge of the Crawford County Municipal Court on March 30.

Courts Still Most Trusted Branch of Government
Voters continue to have more confidence in the court system than any other branch of government, according to a national survey released by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

We Are Gathered Here at the Courthouse
A mutual love of the law can be a catalyst to romantic relationships as many in the legal profession go from law school or law firms to the altar.

Gov. Kasich Appoints New Judge in Northeast Ohio
A northeast Ohio attorney becomes a first-time judge on Monday. Gov. John Kasich appointed Wellsville resident C. Chris Amato to serve on the Columbiana County Municipal Court.

Three New Judges to Take the Bench
Three attorneys will become judges for the first time after Gov. John Kasich appointed them to serve on separate municipal courts.

Judicial Appointments Made to Three Municipal Courts
New faces will soon sit on three Ohio municipal courts.

New Study Highlights Need for Expanded Voter Information in Judicial Races
The biggest reason Ohioans say they don’t vote for judges is because they don’t know enough about the candidates.

New Municipal Judge Appointed
Ashtabula attorney Laura M. DiGiacomo will take over as judge on the Ashtabula Municipal Court on Feb. 17.

New Video Preps Potential Jurors
For Ohioans called to jury duty who may have questions about their role in the courtroom, an informative new video is now available.

Chief Justice O’Connor Asks State Constitution Commission to Consider Moving Judicial Elections to Odd Years
Ohio judicial races get lost compared to more heavily funded and media driven presidential, and gubernatorial campaigns, but are no less important to Ohioans, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor told a statewide commission Thursday.

Two Justices Take Ceremonial Oath of Office
Ohio Supreme Court Justices Sharon L. Kennedy and Judith L. French were honored today in front of nearly 300 family and friends during a traditional swearing-in ceremony at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus.

Justices Kennedy and French Swearing-In Ceremony Next Week
The traditional swearing-in ceremony for two Ohio Supreme Court justices is scheduled next week.

Veteran to Lead New Veterans Court
The new year will be the start of a new specialized docket just for felony defendants who are military veterans in Cuyahoga County.

Supreme Court Removes Portion of Judicial Conduct Rule
The Ohio Supreme Court deleted a portion of the judicial conduct rule on campaign standards and communications based on a ruling in a case from September.

Governor Appoints Burchfield to Van Wert County Judgeship
Van Wert attorney Martin D. Burchfield is likely to remember Groundhog Day 2015 for a long time.

Court Program Helps Parents and Guardians of Drug Addicts
In an effort to provide support for parents and guardians whose loved ones are addicted to opiates, one Lyndhurst Municipal Court judge offers a place of compassion.

Beyond the Border
Jeovani left the only home he’s ever known and traveled thousands of miles to come to Ohio.

Important Deadlines for 2015 Judicial Candidates
In 2015, Ohio voters will elect municipal court judges. Candidates for those positions should be aware of upcoming deadlines and requirements.

Ohio Receives Federal Grant to Examine Family Drug Courts
More than 42 percent of parents who come in contact with Ohio’s child protective services have identified substance abuse issues, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Harrison County Judge to Lead Juvenile Court Judges
New officers of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges (OAJCP) were sworn in today by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor.

Reece to Lead Common Pleas Judges in 2015
Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Guy L. Reece II will serve as president of the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association for 2015.

Court Hosts Celebration of Newly Formed Families
It’s not every day that you see in a courtroom balloons, cookies, and lots of people with smiles on their faces, but that’s exactly what the day called for in Franklin County Probate Court as 15 children were adopted as part of a National Adoption Day event.

Supreme Court Hires Administrative Director
The Ohio Supreme Court today named Michael L. Buenger as Administrative Director effective Jan. 5, 2015.

Elected Officials Compensation Bill Introduced
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor today praised State Rep. Gerald L. Stebelton, the Ohio Council of County Officials, and the Ohio Judicial Conference for their work to introduce a bill calling for pay raises for state and local elected officials, including judges.

Cuyahoga County to Add Veterans Court
During the week that the nation paused to honor its military veterans, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas judges voted to create a Veterans Court.

Justice Pfeifer Tells Study Committee That School Funding Standards Should Remain in Constitution
The Only Ohio Supreme Court justice to have ruled on all four iterations of the landmark public school funding case said any proposal to remove judicial oversight of the state’s school funding methods would be a mistake and he would vocally oppose it.

Judicial Profile – Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge William Harsha
For more than 25 years, Judge William Harsha has sat on the Fourth District Court of Appeals bench.

Judicial Races Decided
Ohio voters decided to return two Ohio Supreme Court justices to the bench.

November’s General Election Features County Judge Seats
The November 4 election will have more than 200 judgeships decided across Ohio.

Cuyahoga County to Add Second Drug Court
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas is adding a second drug court in 2015.

Mahoning County Court Takes Proactive Approach to Gang Problem
More than one in three middle school students report gangs in their schools, according to a 2010 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Research Backs Drug Court Effectiveness
The Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas now has research to back up claims that its drug court works.

State Law Change Means Counties Can Be Reimbursed for Some Acting Judge Costs
Under a new state law, the Ohio Supreme Court can now reimburse counties for a portion of the compensation paid to acting judges appointed to serve on municipal and county courts.

Toledo Judge and Community-Based Alternatives to Juvenile Incarceration Spotlighted on Capitol Hill
The rate of juvenile incarceration is steeply declining in Toledo thanks to the collaborative effort among the courts, schools, mental health providers, and department of youth services.

Judge, Attorney Discipline Board Hires Senior Counsel
Dublin attorney D. Allan Asbury has been named senior counsel for the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline.

Lorain County Judge Disqualified Pending Outcome of Felony Indictment
The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order today that Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge James Burge is disqualified from acting as a judge because of an indictment for six felony counts.

Two District Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge John W. Wise and Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge Stephen A. Yarbrough served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in two separate cases.

New Appellate Judicial Association Officers Selected
The Ohio Courts of Appeals Judges Association has elected its officers for next year.

Ohio Judicial Conference Elects Officers
After his recent election, Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge John M. Durkin will begin a two-year term as chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference on October 1.

Avon Lake Judgeship Now Full-Time Position
Avon Lake Municipal Court Judge Darrel A. Bilancini played both sides of the field for the past nine years as he served as a part-time judge and part-time civil law attorney.

New Judge Appointed in Lima
Gov. John Kasich appointed attorney Tammie K. Hursh to serve on the Lima Municipal Court bench. Her term begins September 22.

Ninth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Jennifer Hensal served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case that examined appropriate sanctions for discovery rules violations.

Two Honored for Judicial Excellence
Judge Sheila G. Farmer and Judge Walter H. Rice were honored Thursday as recipients of the 2014 Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence at the Ohio Judicial Conference Annual Meeting in Columbus.

Governor Kasich Appoints New Mahoning County Judge
Gov. John Kasich appointed attorney Shirley J. Christian to the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.

Cuyahoga County Judge Disqualified Pending Outcome of Felony Indictment
The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order today that Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Lance T. Mason is disqualified from acting as a judge because of a five-count felony indictment.

Governor Appoints New Muskingum County Judge
A Muskingum County Court judge will take the bench of the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas.

Harrison County Resident Appointed Chair of Supreme Court Committee
Harrison County resident Kristine Puskarich will lead the Advisory Committee on the Judicial Family Network as chair for 2014-15, the Ohio Supreme Court announced today.

Court’s Garden Still Growing After 20 Years
Tucked behind a fire station and township building near the northeast Ohio city of Painesville are rows of sweet corn, cabbage, and tomatoes in a garden that started as an idea 20 years ago.

Judge Gormley Selected as 2014 Toll Fellow
Delaware Municipal Court Judge David M. Gormley will attend a national week-long, leadership-development seminar in September after his selection as one of 48 emerging state leaders.

Ohio House Considers Creating Domestic Relations Division in Delaware County
Ohio House of Representatives members Margaret Ann Ruhl and Andy Brenner want Delaware County Court of Common Pleas to have a domestic relations division and a new judge to serve that division.

DeWine: Court Administrator Not Allowed to Hold Multiple Positions at Court
A recently released opinion by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine finds that a person may not serve as a township fiscal officer while holding multiple positions at the Hardin County Court of Common Pleas.

Eighth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Kathleen A. Keough served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case about contempt of court orders and when a party may appeal the action to a higher court.

New Mount Vernon Municipal Court Judge Appointed
John C. Thatcher of Centerburg will serve as the new Mount Vernon Municipal Court judge starting on July 21.

New Franklin County Domestic Relations Judge Appointed
Gov. John Kaisch appointed Rita McNeil Danish to the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court. Her term begins July 14.

Drug Court Offers a Fresh Start
Emily can come into Judge David Trimmer’s courtroom in Fairfield County Municipal Court now and joke about her golf game – but it was a different story three years ago.

Quick Legal Reference Developed for Ohio Probate Judges
Ohio probate judges will now have bench cards available on a variety of legal issues that come before them.

Governor Appoints Rusu to Mahoning County Probate Court
A Canfield Mayor’s Court magistrate will take the bench in Mahoning County Probate Court in July, after his appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on June 17.

Fifth District Judge Gwin Hears Supreme Court Case
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge W. Scott Gwin served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a case about whether drivers are given adequate due process when they receive a ticket for running a red light or speeding through an intersection by a traffic camera.

Supreme Court Rules Proposed to Clarify Commercial Docket Judge Designation
Common pleas courts that establish commercial dockets would have more guidance about designating judges to preside over these cases under proposed rule amendments announced today by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Warhola Moves on to November Guernsey County Judgeship Ballot
After an automatic recount May 29 by the Guernsey County Board of Elections, Andrew J. Warhola Jr. will face off with David B. Bennett in the November general election for Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.

Governor Appoints Searcy to Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court
The director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections will take the bench in Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court on June 2, after her appointment by Gov. John R. Kasich on May 29.

Fifth and Twelfth District Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Sheila G. Farmer and Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Michael E. Powell served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in two separate cases.

Supreme Court Adopts Judicial Title Amendments
The Ohio Supreme Court has adopted rule amendments that outline under which circumstances a lawyer who is a retired or former judge may use a judicial title.

Justice O’Donnell Receives Alumni of the Year Award
On May 22, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell received Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni of the Year Award.

Leader in Democratic Race for Guernsey County Judgeship Widens Gap
The Democratic candidate for Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Court judge leading by one vote after the May 6 primary election increased his margin after the Guernsey County Board of Elections certified the official results on May 20.

Justice Kennedy Honored by Alma Mater
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy has received an achievement award from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Central Ohio Judge Honored
The Central Ohio Association for Justice (COAJ) held its annual meeting in Columbus on May 13.

Judicial Excellence Award Nominations Accepted
The Ohio State Bar Association is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence.

Judicial Profile: Judge Beth Whitmore
Judge Beth Whitmore has heard cases on the Ninth District Court of Appeals bench for 15 years.

Democratic Race for Guernsey County Judgeship May Be Headed for Recount
One vote separates the two Democratic candidates vying to appear on the November general election ballot for Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.

Eighth District Judge Kilbane Hears Supreme Court Case
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Eileen Kilbane served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a statute of limitations case about child sexual abuse.

Perry County Judge Holds Trial at High School
Perry County Judge Dean Wilson wants students to know the effects and consequences of drinking and driving, which is why each year right before prom season he takes his court off-site to a local high school.

Governor Appoints Dressel to Kettering Municipal Court
Kettering Municipal Court Acting Judge Frederick W. Dressel will be able to remove the word “acting” before his title on May 19, after his appointment to the court’s vacancy Tuesday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Primary Election Features More Than 200 Judgeships on Ballot
Two weeks from today, Ohio voters will cast ballots for 217 judges in the May 6 primary election.

Governor Appoints New Barberton Municipal Court Judge
A former Summit County Court Common Pleas Judge will serve as the new Barberton Municipal Court judge starting April 21.

Chief Justice Helps Maumee Municipal Court Celebrate 50 Years of Service
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor joined members of the Maumee Municipal Court judiciary as they celebrated today the court’s golden anniversary.

Off-Site Court Conducted in Justice’s Hometown
Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger heard oral arguments in familiar territory today as the Ohio Supreme Court held its Off-Site Court Program at the University of Toledo College of Law.

Supreme Court Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule Changes
The Ohio Supreme Court will accept public comments until April 14 on proposed rule amendments that outline under which circumstances a lawyer who is a retired or former judge may use a judicial title.

Governor Appoints Fischer to Warren County Judgeship
Maineville attorney Robert S. Fischer will join the Warren County Common Pleas Court bench next week after his appointment Wednesday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Oldest Ohio Retired Judge Dies at 105
Joe Milton Moorhead, believed to be the oldest retired judge in Ohio, died Saturday at age 105 with his family by his side, according to an obituary today in The (Findlay) Courier.

Ohio Supreme Court’s Female Majority in the Minority Nationwide
Each March, the contributions of women are celebrated during National Women’s History Month.

First District Judge DeWine Hears Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Pat DeWine served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in an insurance dispute that stems from a fatal car crash involving a parked commercial trailer.

First District Judge Fischer and Third District Judge Preston Hear Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Patrick Fischer and Third District Court of Appeals Judge Vernon Preston served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments involving a judicial campaign complaint.

Project Improves Energy Costs at Federal Courthouse
The Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse has stood along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus for 80 years.

Eighth District Judge Stewart Hears Supreme Court Case
Eighth District Appeals Court Judge Melody Stewart served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments about a claim involving an alleged asbestos-related death.

Ninth District Judge Belfance Hears Supreme Court Case
Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Eve Belfance served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a Cleveland zoning dispute case.

Former Justice Thomas M. Herbert Dies at 86
One day after his father completed his term as a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, Thomas M. Herbert succeeded him on the high court on January 1, 1969.

A Top Dog at National Competition Co-Owned by Former Justice
Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick was glued to her computer screen during the recent Westminster Kennel Club 138th Annual Dog Show.

Services Set for Former Judge McClain
Legal trailblazer William McClain died on February 4, just a few weeks after he turned 101.

Judicial Profile: Judge Sheila G. Farmer
For more than three decades, Judge Sheila Farmer has served on various levels of Ohio courts. The last two of those decades have been on the Fifth District Court of Appeals based out of her home town of Canton.

Kettering Municipal Court Judge Moore Dies
Kettering Municipal Court Judge Robert L. Moore, 68, who served as an official in the courtroom and on the gridiron, died February 1.

Association Elects Municipal, County Judges as Officers
Leaders among Ohio’s municipal and county court judges took the oath of office on Monday after being elected as officers of their statewide association.

Governor Appoints Robinson to Richland County Judgeship
A week from today, Brent N. Robinson will take the Richland County Common Pleas Court bench after his appointment Friday by the governor.

Governor Appoints Schuster to Tenth District Court of Appeals
Columbus lawyer Betsy Luper Schuster will leave her job as chief elections counsel at the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office and take the bench on the Tenth District Court of Appeals on Monday after her appointment yesterday by the governor.

Judicial College Board Elects Officers
The Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College Board of Trustees elected officers at a meeting on Friday and welcomed three new members.

Former Justice Cook to be Honored by Akron Bar
U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Deborah Cook will receive the 2014 Judicial Pioneer Award from the Akron Bar Association a week from today.

Hamilton County Judge Disqualified Pending Outcome of Felony Indictment
The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order today that Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Tracie M. Hunter is disqualified from acting as a judge because of her eight-count felony indictment.

Second District Court of Appeals Announces Changes
The Second District Court of Appeals has announced administrative leadership changes for 2014.

Requirements for Judicial Candidates in 2014
Those seeking terms on Ohio’s courts next year may find guidance about deadlines and requirements through the Ohio Secretary of State’s 2014 Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.

Bedford Judge Disqualified Pending Outcome of Felony Indictment
The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order today that Bedford Municipal Court Judge Harry J. Jacob III is disqualified from acting as a judge because of his felony indictment.

American Judges Association Recognizes Judge Adrine
A national judges group has honored a Cleveland Municipal Court judge with an award in recognition of his innovative steps to reduce domestic violence.

Twelfth District Court of Appeals Selects Leadership
By a unanimous vote of their colleagues on the 12th District Court of Appeals, Judge Robert P. Ringland will become presiding judge and Judge Robert A. Hendrickson will serve as the administrative judge in 2014.

Hein to Lead Common Pleas Judges in 2014
Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein will serve as president of the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association for 2014 after his election Thursday during the group’s annual winter conference.

Lorain Judge Boros to Lead Juvenile Court Judges in 2014
The Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges didn’t wait for its annual winter conference business meeting this week to elect officers for 2014. The group announced the results last week and elected Lorain County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court Judge Debra L. Boros to serve as president.

Wright to Lead Domestic Relations Judges in 2014-15
Licking County Domestic Relations Court Judge Richard P. Wright will serve as president of the Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges for 2014 and 2015 after his election Tuesday during the group’s annual winter conference.

Updated Vote Totals in Akron Municipal Court Race Show Sitting Judge Winning
After counting additional timely, valid absentee and provisional ballots from the November 5 election, amended, unofficial vote totals from the Summit County Board of Elections now show that Akron Municipal Court Judge Katarina V. Cook leads Jon A. Oldham by 17 votes for judge.

Barberton Judge Appointed to Summit County Common Pleas Court
The Barberton Municipal Court’s presiding judge was appointed by the governor on Friday to the Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Russo Selected as Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo was recently chosen by his peers as the court’s next administrative judge.

Six Seminars Scheduled for 2014 Judicial Candidates
In the cycle for judgeships up for election every even-numbered year, 2014 will be the one with the most on the ballot that occurs every six years.

Fourth and Ninth District Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge William H. Harsha and Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Beth Whitmore served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in two separate cases.

Voters Elect 77 Municipal Court Judges
Out of the 16 contested municipal court judgeships in Tuesday’s election, one incumbent lost by 16 votes. Jon A. Oldham, a magistrate/judicial attorney in Summit County Probate Court, defeated Akron Municipal Court Judge Katarina V. Cook, who was elected in 2009.

Appeals Court Judges Hear Supreme Court Cases
Two appellate court judges served as visiting judges on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in two separate cases.

Chief Justice O’Connor Touts Benefits of Broadcasting Arguments to National Press Club
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor today appeared on a panel at the National Press Club and once again encouraged the U.S. Supreme Court to allow cameras in its courtroom.

Judicial Vacancies Filled in Belmont, Madison Counties
Two county prosecutors will join the ranks of judges next month after their appointments Wednesday by Gov. John Kasich to fill judicial vacancies.

Community Corrections Work of Judges, Court Personnel Recognized
Statewide recognition for judges and court personnel that operate top-flight community corrections programs occurred last week at ceremonies in Columbus.

Ohio Judges and Magistrates Learn About the Amish
The nationally covered trial of a group of Amish involved in a forced beard-cutting against other Amish members made an impression across the county, but some Ohio judges recently learned about complicated realities behind the community.

November’s General Election Features 77 Municipal Judge Seats, Most Uncontested
Ohioans in 16 jurisdictions will be the only voters statewide who will choose from more than one candidate on the ballot for municipal court judge.

Former Judge Harper Inducted into Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission has inducted former Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Sara J. Harper into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

Assistant Prosecutor Appointed to Butler County Common Pleas Court
The chief assistant prosecutor of the child assault division in the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office will take the common pleas bench on Oct. 21.

Concord Attorney Named to Lake County Probate Court
The chief assistant prosecutor in the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office will take the probate bench in Lake County a week from today.

Morrow County Resident Appointed Chair of Supreme Court Committee
Morrow County resident Sharon Hickson will lead the Advisory Committee on the Judicial Family Network as chair for 2013-14, the Ohio Supreme Court announced today.

Appellate Judges Elected to 2014 Association Offices
At its annual fall meeting today, the Ohio Courts of Appeals Judges Association elected officers for next year.

Governor Appoints Joshua Lanzinger to Toledo Municipal Court
Governor John R. Kasich has appointed Joshua W. Lanzinger of Toledo to serve as a judge on the Toledo Municipal Court. He replaces Judge Michael R. Goulding, who was appointed to the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.

Ohio Judicial Conference to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
The Ohio Judicial Conference will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this week as judges from all across Ohio will travel to Columbus on September 12 for the conference’s annual meeting.

Tenth District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Tenth District Appeals Court Judge Julia L. Dorrian served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in an Ohio Power Siting Board case.

Municipal Judge Goulding to Join Common Pleas Court
Judge Michael R. Goulding is still following Judge Gene A. Zmuda.

Judicial Profile: Judge Kenneth A. Rocco
It was an American president who inspired Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Kenneth Rocco to serve the public.

Three Ohio Judges Elected to NCJFCJ Board of Trustees
Three Ohio judges were recently elected to the 2013-2014 National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Board of Trustees.

10th District Appeals Court Judge Peggy Bryant Dies
Ohio has lost one of its most respected veteran jurists. A week to the day after retiring from the 10th District Court of Appeals, Judge Peggy Bryant, 62, died last night.

Governor Appoints Assistant Prosecutor to Licking County Common Pleas Bench
The governor has appointed Earl L. Frost of Newark to the Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division.

New Judge to Take the Bench in Clermont County
The governor has appointed Kevin T. Miles of Batavia to the Clermont County Municipal Court.

Belmont County Judge Trades One Bench for Another
Belmont County Court Northern Division Judge Frank A. Fregiato will move to the county’s common pleas bench on August 12 after his appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Fills Vacancy on Franklin County Municipal Court, Environmental Division
The director of the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Daniel R. Hawkins, will become a judge on Monday after his appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich to the Franklin County Municipal Court, Environmental Division.

Governor Names New Judge on Medina County Court of Common Pleas
Governor John R. Kasich has announced the appointment of Kevin W. Dunn of Westfield as a judge on the Medina County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Divisions.

Governor Appoints Vandervoort to Fairfield County Probate/Juvenile Court
Lancaster’s law director and city prosecutor will become a judge on the Fairfield County Probate/Juvenile Court on August 5 after her appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Appoints O’Diam to Greene County Probate Court
Thomas M. O’Diam, an attorney with the Dayton firm of O’Diam, Stecker & Sove Law Group, Inc., will take the bench on the Greene County Probate Court on August 5 after his appointment Tuesday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Judge Gill Selected as CSG Toll Fellow
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Gill was selected as a Council of State Governments’ Henry Toll Fellow for 2013.

Governor Appoints Bauernschmidt to Cleveland Municipal Court
A magistrate who serves the Village of Bratenahl’s mayor’s court was appointed by Gov. John R. Kasich Thursday to the Cleveland Municipal Court.

Judge’s Blog Aims to Educate
Medina County Common Pleas Judge James Kimbler is combining his love of the rule of law with his passion for teaching by blogging about court cases.

Ex-Judges Cannot Use Judicial Titles in Most Instances, Opinion Finds
Only under limited circumstances may former judges use judicial titles, according to an advisory opinion announced today from the Ohio Supreme Court Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline.

Governor Appoints Davis to Summit County Common Pleas Court
Governor John R. Kasich today appointed Hudson attorney Jane M. Davis to sit on the Summit County Common Pleas Court starting July 8.

Governor appoints Werren to Stark Common Pleas Court
Canton attorney and Stark County Red Cross Executive Director J. Curtis Werren will become a judge on the Stark County Common Pleas Court on July 8 after his appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Probate Court Judges Elected to Leadership Positions
Delaware County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Kenneth J. Spicer will serve a two-year term as president of the Ohio Association of Probate Judges after his election Wednesday during the group’s summer conference.

Governor Appoints Regan to Jackson County Judicial Vacancy
Independence Day will take on added meaning this year for magistrate Christopher J. Regan after his appointment today to the vacancy on the Jackson County Common Pleas Court by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Seventh District Judge Vukovich Hears Supreme Court Death Penalty Case
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Joseph J. Vukovich served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a Summit County case.

Supreme Court Expands Pool of Judges for Commercial Dockets
Common pleas courts that establish commercial dockets will have the option of using retired judges to preside over these cases come July 1 under rule amendments announced by the Ohio Supreme Court today.

Cadiz Lawyer Appointed to the Harrison County Bench
Governor John R. Kasich today announced the appointment of Thomas Shawn Hervey of Cadiz to serve as a judge on the Harrison County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Divisions.

Clifford Sickler Will Serve on Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, Probate & Juvenile
Governor John R. Kasich today announced that he is appointing Clifford N. Sickler of Lewisville to serve as a judge on the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division effective June 4.

Governor appoints Weisenburger to Norwalk Municipal Court
The winner of the Republican primary for Norwalk Municipal Court was appointed to the bench on Thursday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Judges Collaborate at Domestic Relations Summit Preview
Improving the lives of those they serve and bridging parent and child relationships are just a couple of reasons why more than a dozen judges who preside over domestic relations cases met on May 23 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Governor appoints McCarthy to Athens County Common Pleas Court
Gov. John R. Kasich appointed George P. McCarthy to the Athens County Common Pleas Court on Monday.

Two Franklin County Judicial Vacancies Filled
Gov. John R. Kasich on Thursday filled two judicial vacancies in central Ohio.

Justice Francis Sweeney Portrait Dedication
Family and friends of the late Justice Francis Sweeney Sr. came to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center on May 8 for his official portrait dedication ceremony.

Primary Candidates From Two Contested Judicial Races Move On to General Election
Attorneys Eric R. Weisenburger and Molly Mack received the most votes in primaries Tuesday in the only two contested races for municipal court judgeships in Ohio, according to unofficial results. Each race featured three Republican candidates seeking to replace retiring judges.

Commission Examining Potential Changes to the Ohio Constitution
The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission on Tuesday announced the 11 members of the Judicial Branch & the Administration of Justice committee, which includes two sitting judges.

Retired Judge Celebrates 105th Birthday
When retired Judge Joe Moorhead was born in 1908, the 4th modern Olympic games opened in London.

Seventh District Judge Hears Supreme Court Case
Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Gene Donofrio served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments from a Warren County case.

Governor Appoints Judge Shriver to Clermont County Probate/Juvenile Court
On July 1, Clermont County Municipal Court Judge James A. Shriver will leave a court where he’s served for 18 years for a different bench after his appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich to the Clermont County Probate/Juvenile Court.

Third District Judge Shaw Hears Supreme Court Case
Third District Court of Appeals Judge Stephen R. Shaw served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a Summit County case.

First District Judge Hendon Hears Supreme Court Case
First District Court of Appeals Judge Sylvia S. Hendon served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a Franklin County case.

Contested Judicial Races Featured in Two Communities in Upcoming Primary
Voters in the May 7 primary election in two Ohio communities will be the only ones casting ballots in contested races for municipal court judgeships.

Governor Appoints VanSickle to Wayne County Municipal Court
Gov. John R. Kasich today appointed Timothy R. VanSickle of Orrville to the Wayne County Municipal Court.

Decades After O'Connor, Role of Women Judges Still Growing
When the United States celebrates Women’s History Month every March, images like Rosie the Riveter posters or pictures of marching suffragists come to mind. However, another image can be introduced in the framing of women’s history: a judicial robe.

Governor Appoints Springboro Attorney to Warren County Court
Governor John R. Kasich has announced the appointment of Gary A. Loxley of Springboro (Warren County) to serve as a judge on the Warren County Court.

Kirby Appointed to Warren County Probate/Juvenile Bench
Gov. John Kasich today appointed Joseph W. Kirby of Springboro as judge of the Warren County Common Pleas Court, Probate/ Juvenile Division.

Governor Appoints Stich to Hamilton County Common Pleas Court
Gov. John Kasich today appointed Cincinnati attorney Carl J. Stich Jr. to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Stich fills the vacancy left by Judge Pat DeWine who was elected to the First District Court of Appeals in November.

Hamilton Lawyer Halcomb to Replace Justice Kennedy on Butler County Domestic Relations Court
Governor John R. Kasich today announced the appointment of Margot B. Halcomb of Hamilton (Butler Co.) to serve as a judge on the Butler County Domestic Relations Court.

Lake County Probate Judge Dies
A decade after he first took the bench, Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died today.

Second District Judge Hall Hears Supreme Court Case
Second District Court of Appeals Judge Michael T. Hall served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today.

Hardin County Judges Appointed
Two vacancies on the Hardin County Court of Common Pleas were filled today by appointment of the governor.

Judge Jan Long Elected Chair to Judicial College Board of Trustees
Judge Jan Long was recently elected as chairman to the Ohio Supreme Court’s Judicial College Board of Trustees.

Governor Appoints Baldwin and Schroeder to Judgeships
Gov. John Kasich on Friday appointed a sitting judge to another court and a city law director to the bench.

Governor appoints Synenberg to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Governor John Kasich today appointed former Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Joan Synenberg to the same court. Synenberg replaces Eileen T. Gallagher, who was elected to the Eighth District Court of Appeals in November.

Fourth District Judge McFarland Hears Supreme Court Case
Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew W. McFarland served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a class-action insurance case.

Governor Appoints Nasal to Miami County Municipal Court
Miami County Prosecutor Gary A. Nasal will soon be on the other side of the bench after his appointment today by Gov. John Kasich to the Miami County Municipal Court. Nasal fills the vacancy left by former Judge Mel Kemmer who retired in August.

Association elects municipal, county judges as officers
Municipal and county court judges took the oath of office today after being elected to leadership positions by the statewide membership of their association.

Governor Appoints Ghiz to Hamilton County Bench
Gov. John Kasich today appointed Leslie Ghiz to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. She will assume office on February 6.

Judge Starn Joins Judicial College Board of Trustees
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor recently appointed Findlay Municipal Court Judge Jonathan P. Starn to the Judicial College Board of Trustees.

Justice Kennedy Receives Award of Excellence from Butler County Bar Association
The Butler County Bar Association recently awarded Justice Sharon L. Kennedy with the Award of Excellence.

Justice Judith L. French Ceremonially Sworn In as 155th Justice
Justice Judith L. French was ceremonially sworn in as the 155th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium this afternoon, surrounded by around 350 family members and friends.

Justice Terrence O’Donnell Sworn in to Second Term
Hundreds of family and friends attended Justice Terrence O’Donnell’s swearing-in ceremony at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center today where United States Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit Judge Deborah L. Cook administered the oath of office.

Twelfth District Judge Ringland Hears Supreme Court Case
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Robert P. Ringland served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today.

Tenth District Judge Klatt Hears Supreme Court Case
Tenth District Court of Appeals Judge William A. Klatt served as a visiting judge on the Ohio Supreme Court today and heard oral arguments in a DNA case.

New Year Brings Change to the Bench
The New Year has resulted in a lot of new faces on the bench in Ohio. Of the 724 judgeships in the state, 37 posts have a new judge behind the bench with the majority of those filled by attorneys who have never been judges.

William O’Neill Honored in Swearing-In Ceremony, Takes Office Jan. 2
William M. O’Neill took the oath of office on Thursday in a ceremony before family and friends at the Cuyahoga County Courthouse. He will officially take office on January 2.

Judicial Profile: Judge Thomas J. Grady
After nearly 24 years on the bench, Judge Thomas Grady is hanging up his robe this week.

Governor Appoints Colaluca to Cuyahoga County Court
A part-time mayor’s court magistrate will become the newest judge on the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court on January 7 after her appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Governor Appoints Farmer to Stark County Bench
Magistrate Kristin G. Farmer will become Judge Farmer on January 7 after her appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich to the Stark County Common Pleas Court.

Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton Retires, Will Continue to Leave Mark in Field
Growing up in Thailand to missionary parents made a lasting impression on Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton. Her upbringing helped guide her when she turned 18 years-old and left Southeast Asia for America with only a few hundred dollars in her pocket.

Justice Robert R. Cupp Says Goodbye
With more than 35 years in the legal profession, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Robert Cupp has brought a wealth of experience to the state’s highest court. He leaves the bench at the end of this year with a feeling of accomplishment.

Domestic Relations Judge David A. Basinski Retiring
It took more than five decades for Judge David Basinski to first sit on the bench. He received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1966 and practiced law in Lorain County for more than 20 years before being elected to the Lorain County Domestic Relations Division.

New Judges Learning the Ropes of the Bench
New Ohio judges like Nick Selvaggio are learning the ropes of what it takes to preside over a courtroom during a weeklong orientation on December 10-14.

Harcha to Lead Common Pleas Judges in 2013
Scioto County Judge Howard H. Harcha III will serve as president of the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association for 2013 after his election Thursday during the annual winter conference.

Justice Yvette McGee Brown Bids Farewell to the Court
Justice Yvette McGee Brown’s journey to the Ohio Supreme Court started 20 years ago.

Details for Supreme Court Swearing-in Ceremonies Released
Three swearing-in ceremonies have been scheduled for one returning and two new Ohio Supreme Court justices over the next six weeks.

Five Seminars Scheduled for 2013 Judicial Candidates
The first of five judicial candidate seminars for judges on the ballot next year will be held on February 6 in Dublin.

New Rule Lists Duties of Judges Leaving Office Early
Starting January 1, 2013, judges leaving office before their terms end will be required to notify the governor and chief justice, under a new rule adopted by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Judge Susan E. Boyer Retiring after 27 Years on the Bench
Growing up with four brothers in Louisville, Kentucky, helped Judge Susan Boyer learn how to resolve conflicts quickly.

Speakers Honor Former Justice Duncan at Memorial Service
Speaker after speaker today tried to put into words the impact Judge Robert M. Duncan had on them and countless others at a memorial service on the Ohio State University campus.

Robert Duncan, First Black Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, Dies at 85
Robert Morton Duncan, a pioneering Ohio jurist who was the first African American to ever serve on the Ohio Supreme Court and who decided the Columbus schools’ historic desegregation cases, died on Friday. He was 85.

Stark County Judge Brown Retires
Stark County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles E. Brown Jr. didn’t want to hang on too long. That’s why he’s retiring today from the bench after more than 10 years.

Chief Justice Roberts Names Ohio Judge to Judicial Conference Committee
A federal judge from Ohio was recently named to a top national judicial leadership post.

Cuyahoga Domestic Relations Judge O’Malley Dies of Cancer
As a committed proponent of mediation, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Judge Kathleen O’Malley encouraged families to work together to settle disputes since January 1, 1999 when she joined the court. Judge O’Malley, 58, died over the weekend.

Forum Brings Transparency Among Bench, Bar, and Media
In an effort to have more transparency between the media and the bench, around 50 of Miami Valley’s judges, lawyers, enforcement officers, and reporters and editors met on Thursday to talk about local issues or questions that arise while covering court stories.

Judicial Profile: Judge Richard Rogers
If experience is the best teacher, then Third District Court of Appeals Judge Richard Rogers has learned a lot over 30 years as a judge.

Governor Appoints Powell to Twelfth District Court of Appeals
Warren County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Mike Powell will trade in that title after his appointment Thursday by Gov. John R. Kasich to the Twelfth District Court of Appeals.

Judicial Profile: Judge John A. Connor
As a third generation attorney, John Connor learned from the best. His grandfather was admitted to the practice of law in 1904 and his father in 1939. So, it was no surprise that John Connor would do well in the same field.

Judges Fischer, French Appointed to Constitution Commission
Two judges were among 20 public members appointed to the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission on Thursday.

Governor Appoints Bratka to Logan County Family Court
West Liberty resident Dan W. Bratka will join the Logan County Family Court tomorrow after his appointment today by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Appellate Judges Elected to 2013 Association Offices
At its annual fall meeting today, the Ohio Courts of Appeals Judges Association elected officers for next year.

Annual Crisis Intervention Award Named for Justice Stratton
An annual award that recognizes law enforcement officers who de-escalate crises and handle incidents involving persons with mental illness has been named for Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton.

Judicial Profile: Judge Sylvia Hendon
When she applied and interviewed for a spot on the Hamilton County Municipal Court bench in 1983, Judge Sylvia Hendon didn’t know she was in the running until she read about it.

Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger to Receive Alumna Award
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger will be honored at the University of Toledo College of Law Alumni Affiliate Awards Reception on September 8 where she will receive the 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award.

Ohio Judges Attend FBI Training Seminar
Thirty-one judges from Ohio were the first group ever invited to an FBI training session that centered on data submitted to and available from the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Miami County Judge Retires
About midway through his second term on the bench, Miami County Municipal Court Judge Mel Kemmer retired on Tuesday.

Whitman Sworn in as New Cuyahoga County Juvenile Judge
Judge Anjanette A. Whitman was sworn in as the new Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court judge on July 26.

Judicial Profile: Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr.
Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. has sat on the Youngstown Municipal Court bench since 1997, when he was appointed by former Governor George Voinovich. Now nearly 15 years later, Judge Douglas is ready to retire.

County Judges Announce Their Retirements
Two judges – one from Logan County and one from Pike County – will retire at the end of the month.

Retired Judge Marks 40 Years of Trial Handbook Updates
Retired judge Richard M. Markus recently marked the 40th anniversary of writing the first edition of the “Trial Handbook for Ohio Lawyers.”

Governor Appoints Judges to Juvenile Justice Council
One sitting judge and two retired judges were recently appointed to the Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice.

Judicial Profile: Judge John P. Bessey
Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge John Bessey will miss many aspects of his job when he retires at the end of the year: court staff, learning new things and the new courthouse itself.