The Ohio Supreme Court will travel to Putnam County on April 11 as part of its Off-Site Court Program, where justices hear arguments outside of Columbus to educate Ohio students and the public about the judicial branch of government.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justices Terrence O’Donnell, Sharon L. Kennedy, Judith L. French, Patrick F. Fischer, R. Patrick DeWine, and Mary DeGenero will hear oral arguments in three cases.

The cases include NCAA v. Schmitz (Case No. 2017-0098), State of Ohio v. Ireland (Case No. 2017-0344), and State v. Bowshier (Case No. 2017-0936).

On April 11, the students will meet with the justices for a question-and-answer forum and later discuss the legal issues with the case attorneys.

More than 500 students from nine school districts in Putnam County will attend the session at Ottawa-Glandorf High School.

Eight other high schools participating are: Columbus Grove, Continental Local, Fort Jennings, Kalida, Leipsic, Miller City, Ottoville, and Pandora-Gilboa.

Putnam County Judges Michael Borer, Keith Schierloh, and Chad Niese were involved in the planning and preparation.

Initiated in 1987, Off-Site Court enhances students’ understanding of the legal system by enabling them to interact with justices, attorneys, and court staff. Students and teachers receive curriculum material to study beforehand, including case summaries.

This will be Putnam County’s first time hosting the Off-Site Court Program.