DECEMBER 30, 2025

Supreme Court: Challenge to City Inspections of Rental Properties Will Be Heard
The Court is considering arguments in 11 cases next week.

A North Canton property owner is contesting a warrant granted to the city to inspect a six-unit rental property, arguing the Ohio Constitution demands more protections before a government can intrude onto someone’s property. At next week’s oral arguments, the Supreme Court of Ohio will consider whether the city established probable cause for the administrative search warrant allowing the inspection.

DECEMBER 24, 2025

Court Approves Permits for Hancock County Solar Farm

Solar panels.

The Supreme Court of Ohio today upheld the granting of a permit to construct a large-scale solar farm in Hancock County near the village of Arcadia.

Commercial Activity Tax Applies to Soap Bars Warehoused in Ohio

Bar soap manufactured in Kansas on behalf of the owner of Zest and other brands, and sent to a warehouse in Columbus before being sold to retailers can be taxed in Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today.

DECEMBER 23, 2025

Supreme Court Clarified Requirements for Granting Civil Stalking Protection Orders

To grant a civil stalking protection order, a court must find only that a person seeking the order believes an offender will cause mental distress if encounters continue, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today.

Attorney Suspended for Juggling Funds in Guardianship Accounts

The Supreme Court of Ohio today suspended a Worthington attorney for two years, with 18 months stayed, for transferring money from guardianship accounts without probate court permission, then lying to the court about the amount of money moves he made.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Supreme Court Orders Sheriff To Release Records In Disputed Accident Case

A man's wallet with bills in various denominations sticking out of it.

The Supreme Court of Ohio today determined the Richland County sheriff improperly withheld information from a woman investigating missing money and property taken after her son’s death.

DECEMBER 18, 2025

Aggravated Vehicular Assault Conviction Upheld For Driver Who Injured Trooper

The Supreme Court of Ohio today affirmed the conviction of a Lorain County man who injured a state trooper directing traffic while he was driving under the influence of marijuana.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

Court Finds Judge’s Misstatements Did Not Invalidate Guilty Plea

A hand hitting a wooden gavel on a wooden sound block.

A trial judge’s misstatement about Ohio’s self-defense law and pretrial ruling to not give a self-defense jury instruction did not invalidate a Hamilton County man's guilty plea, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled today.

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NOVEMBER 4, 2025

From Mentee to Mentor: Eighth District Judge Returns to Supreme Court

A woman judge sitting on the bench in the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Courtroom

Judge Michelle Sheehan of the Eighth District Court of Appeals was honored to sit by assignment once again at the Supreme Court of Ohio during October’s oral arguments.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Summit County Judge Honored for Contributions to Recovery

Six women smiling, one holding an award

The Summit County Addiction and Mental Health (ADM) Board recently recognized Judge Joy Malek Oldfield for her commitment to individuals in recovery with the Dr. Robert M. Smith Innovation Award.

OCTOBER 31, 2025

Summit County Specialized Docket Recognized for Domestic Violence Prevention Work

Two women smiling holding an award

A Summit County Common Pleas Court specialized docket was recently recognized for its dedication to ending the cycle of domestic violence.

OCTOBER 6, 2025

Franklin County Court Featured in National Court Journal

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“I am sitting in a circle alongside the women of CATCH, sharing stories, offering comfort, laughing, crying, encouraging one another, and walking together on a path toward healing,” wrote Judge Jodi Thomas.

OCTOBER 2, 2025

First District Judge Excited To Return to Supreme Court

A woman judge sitting on the bench in the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Courtroom

Judge Candace Crouse of the First District Court of Appeals expressed excitement ahead of her assignment on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

Appellate Judge Brings Passion for Community and Collaboration to Supreme Court

A woman judge with her hand on her chin sitting on the bench in the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Courtroom

Judge Kristin Boggs of the Tenth District Court of Appeals is grateful for her recent opportunity to sit on the Supreme Court during oral arguments.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Army Veteran Appointed Hamilton County Judge

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New to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court bench is Judge Christopher McDowell, who was recently appointed to the position by Gov. Mike DeWine. Judge McDowell fills an empty seat at the court and must run for election in November 2026 to maintain his judgeship.

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DECEMBER 23, 2025

Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Joins White Ribbon Campaign to End Domestic Violence

A group of men and women wearing winter coats standing outside listening to a woman speak with a booklet

The Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court recently participated in the annual White Ribbon Campaign, joining communities across the region in raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting a shared commitment to safety, respect, and nonviolence.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Courts Play Vital Role in Connecting Veterans Resources

A woman speaking at a podiem with the US flag and Ohio flag in the background with a table of women listening to the speaker

The Supreme Court of Ohio facilitated an information-packed day to connect courts with innovative veteran services during the 11th annual 2025 Lean Forward Veterans Summit. Each year, Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and Retired Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton convene the summit, part of the broader Lean Forward initiative seeking to advance treatment for justice-involved veterans in Ohio.

DECEMBER 17, 2025

Lawyers’ Fund Awards More Than $80,000 to Clients

The Board of Commissioners of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (LFCP) reimbursed $80,007.62 to six victims of attorney theft at its meeting on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025.  Four former or suspended Ohio attorneys were determined to have engaged in dishonest conduct resulting in financial losses to their clients. One deceased attorney was also involved in a claim presented to the Board of Commissioners.

Chief Justice Encourages Collaboration Among Ohio Clerks

A woman speaking at a podiem with the US flag and Ohio flag in the background with a table of women listening to the speaker

Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy was welcomed as a guest speaker at the recent Ohio Clerk of Courts Association winter conference. The conference hosted clerks and staff from nearly every county in Ohio.

DECEMBER 12, 2025

Second Round of Public Comment: Proposed Changes to Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio

The Supreme Court of Ohio opened a public comment period on proposed amendments to the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

Supreme Court Names New Clerk of the Court

In a recent swearing-in ceremony, Justin Kudela returned to the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center in his new role as Clerk of the Court.

DECEMBER 8, 2025

Bringing Hope Home: Franklin County Probate Court Finalizes Eight Adoptions

Two adults with a child and a judge in a courtroom

The recent Adoption Day at the Franklin County Probate Court helped finalize the adoptions of eight children and create six new forever families. It was an opportunity to increase awareness and support for children in the foster care system who are waiting for permanent, loving homes.

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Reflections on 2025

As the year winds down, it’s a chance to review the good work of the Supreme Court of Ohio, from its important legal decisions to its resourceful approaches to serve the courts, legal community, and public.

DECEMBER 30, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court to hear arguments in Sydney Powell murder case: Akron Beacon Journal
Ohio Supreme Court justices are poised to hear arguments and determine the fate of Sydney Powell over a year after an appellate court overturned her murder conviction in the death of her mother.

Ohio Supreme Court upholds permit for Hancock County solar farm: Toledo Blade
The Ohio Power Siting Board appropriately awarded a permit to construct a 129.6-megawatt solar farm in Hancock County near the village of Arcadia, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled.

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