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Ohio Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Ohio is the highest court in the state of Ohio.  The Supreme Court has seven Judges including the Chief Justice.  In case of absence or disability of the Chief Justice, the Judge having the longest period of service upon the court shall be the acting Chief Justice.  If any member of the court is unable to hear, consider and decide a cause or causes, by reason of illness, disability or disqualification, the Chief Justice or the acting Chief Justice may direct any Judge of any Court of Appeals to sit with the Judges of the Supreme Court in the place of the absent Judge.  A majority of the Supreme Court shall be necessary to constitute a quorum or to render a judgment.

The Chief Justice and the Justices of the Supreme Court are elected by the electors of the state at large, for terms of not less than six years.  No person shall be elected or appointed as a Justice if they are seventy years old or older.  The compensation of the Judges of the Supreme Court shall not be diminished during their term of office.  Judges receive no fees or perquisites, nor hold any other office of profit or trust, under the authority of the State of Ohio, or of the United States.

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction when it comes to the issue writs of Quo warranto, Mandamus, Habeas corpus, Prohibition, and Procedendo.  The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction when a particular cause needs to be completely determined by it.

The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in the following matters:

  1. in appeals directly originating from the Courts of Appeals and other cases involving questions arising under the constitution of the United States or the State of Ohio;
  2. in appeals from the Courts of Appeals in cases of felony where leave of the court has been obtained;
  3. in direct appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas or other courts of record inferior to the court of appeals as a matter of right in cases in which the death penalty has been imposed; and
  4. revisory jurisdiction of the proceedings of administrative officers or agencies.

In cases involving public importance, the Supreme Court may direct any Court of Appeals to certify its record to the Supreme Court, and may review and affirm, modify, or reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals.  No law shall be passed or rule made whereby any person shall be prevented from invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court of Ohio has general superintendence over all state courts in Ohio.  The Supreme Court appoints an administrative director who shall assist the Chief Justice.    The Supreme Court prescribes rules governing practice and procedure in all courts of the state.  All existing laws which are in conflict with such rules shall cease to be in effect after such rules have taken effect.  However, courts may adopt additional rules concerning local practice in their respective courts which are not inconsistent with the rules made by the Supreme Court.

Ohio Supreme Court Website: http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/


Inside Ohio Supreme Court