Judicial College

Judges, Magistrates, and Acting Judges

Judicial Candidates, Appointees, New Judges, and New Magistrates

Court Personnel

Guardians ad Litem

Guardians of Adults

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About

The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College provides continuing legal and professional education for judges, magistrates, acting judges, and non-judicial court personnel to ensure the effective administration of justice for all Ohioans. The Judicial College also works in partnership with all state judicial associations and many court personnel associations programs, providing continuing education for their members.

In addition, the Judicial College offers education for guardians ad litem, guardians of adults, and custody evaluators.

The Judicial College Board of Trustees advises the Supreme Court regarding judicial branch education matters and the Judicial College's operations.

Judicial College Board of Trustees

History

The Judicial College was established in 1976 to provide educational programs and activities for Ohio judges and was one of the first states in the country to provide judicial education. The Judicial College is governed by Rule V of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Judiciary in Ohio.

In 1988, the program was expanded to include magistrates (then known as referees) and became part of the Supreme Court in 1989. The Judicial College's educational opportunities were expanded in 1990 to offer continuing education to non-judicial court personnel throughout the state.

Among the duties of the Judicial College:

• To foster awareness that training and education are necessary to maintain and enhance professional competence for judges, acting judges, magistrates, and court personnel of the state.
• To provide a comprehensive program of continuing education for the judges, acting judges, magistrates, and court personnel of the state.
• To create standards and curricula for education and training programs that will provide quality education and training in procedural and substantive law of Ohio incorporating national standards and trends.
• To provide training and education in judicial and professional conduct.
• To provide training and education to other individuals as may be directed by the Supreme Court.

50 Years of Excellence in Judicial Education

Judicial College Timeline

In 2026, the Judicial College marked 50 years of its enduring commitment as the foundation for judicial education in Ohio. The decades of building thoughtfully designed, in-depth education reflect a focus on ensuring that justice is delivered with knowledge, integrity, and skill in every courtroom.

In the past decade, the Judicial College has been tasked with serving more audiences. To respond to the education needs of these broader audiences, the number of courses developed has grown and the formats for delivering courses – in person, webinars, and online, on-demand options – have expanded. The College also continually evaluates the quality and variety of tools that can most effectively provide the courses.

The Judicial College remains fully committed to advancing judicial education for the next 50 years – and beyond.