The Ohio Supreme Court requests public comment on a proposal to amend several items related to case inventories in the Rules of Superintendence (Sup.R. 38).

Currently the rule requires judges to conduct a “physical” case inventory by Oct. 1 of each year and requires new judges to complete an inventory within three months of taking office. The rule ensures that there is an accurate count of pending cases and evaluates the court’s case management practice. With new judges, the rule helps identify potential conflicts with cases and reassigns them to avoid potential delays.

The Advisory Committee on Case Management reviewed Sup.R. 38 last year and determined that more courts are moving from paper files to electronic filing. The committee recommends adding:

• The requirement that judges correct any reporting errors on the next statistical report form filed after the inventory is completed.
• A definition for “case inventory” to include a review of physical or electronic case files.
• Instructions in the commentary advising judges how to conduct a physical or electronic case inventory.

The public has until Feb. 18, 2016 to comment on the proposal. Once the 30-day public comment period ends, the Case Management Section will make a final recommendation to the Supreme Court. The Court will then decide what action, if any, should be taken.

Comments on this proposal should be submitted in writing to:

Tasha Ruth
Case Management Section Manager
Ohio Supreme Court
65 S. Front St., Sixth Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
or
Tasha.Ruth@sc.ohio.gov

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