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
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
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 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.
JANUARY 7, 2025
Appellate Judge Emphasizes Accessibility and Fairness in Law
“Sitting on the Supreme Court of Ohio is both humbling and energizing,” said Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt of the Tenth District Court of Appeals.
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
From Mentee to Mentor: Eighth District Judge Returns to Supreme Court
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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.
JANUARY 7, 2026
State Courts Top List of Trusted Government Institutions, Poll Finds
State courts remain the most trusted institution in government, according to an annual national survey.
JANUARY 6, 2026
Custody, Visitation Conflicts Tackled at Settlement Week in Hancock County
At the Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court, Judge Kristen Johnson hears a wide variety of cases affecting families. When she surveyed the latest set of difficult pending cases on custody, visitation, and paternity issues, she decided it might be worthwhile to try to resolve them by setting up a Settlement Week.
DECEMBER 23, 2025
Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court Joins White Ribbon Campaign to End Domestic Violence
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
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
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.
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.
JANUARY 8, 2026
Ohio Supreme Court to hear appeal of 2020 case of daughter murdering her mother in Akron: Cleveland 19 News
Oral Argument Preview: Ohio v. Sydney Powell – Over is a defendant has the unconditional right to recall expert witnesses.
State supreme court deciding if convicted murderer deserves new trial: Fox8 WJW
The Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for and against reinstating murder convictions against a 25-year-old woman who was convicted of beating and stabbing her mother to death nearly six years ago.