Supreme Court of Ohio Decisions

The Ohio Supreme Court takes its authority from Article IV, Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution. It holds jurisdiction over cases involving constitutional issues, cases involving the death penalty, cases in which the appellate courts diverge, and cases that originate in the courts of appeals. The Supreme Court also reviews appeals from the Public Utilities Commission and the Board of Tax Appeals. It may issue certain types of extraordinary writs, such as writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, and prohibition. The Court provides the decisive interpretation of any issue raised by Ohio law or the state constitution.

Seven justices serve on the Ohio Supreme Court. Each justice serves a six-year term. Ohio uses non-partisan elections to choose its justices. This means that the ballot does not state the political affiliation of a justice. In reality, voters usually know the actual affiliation of a justice, since each political party nominates candidates during the primary elections. To serve on the Ohio Supreme Court, a candidate must be younger than 70. They must be admitted to the Ohio Bar and must have accumulated at least six years of experience practicing law. If a vacancy arises during the middle of a six-year term, the Governor of Ohio has the authority to appoint an interim justice to serve the remainder of the term.

In addition to resolving appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court provides the rules of practice and procedure that govern all of the courts in the state. It receives this authority from Article IV, Section 5(B) of the Ohio Constitution. The Court has issued rules of evidence, civil procedure, criminal procedure, appellate procedure, and juvenile procedure. It also has crafted the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, which consists of four canons that guide judges and judicial candidates in maintaining ethical standards.