History of the Supreme Court of Ohio
Meet the current justices and previous justices, read about the Supreme Court of Ohio jurisdiction and authority, view a diagram of the Ohio judicial system, or read Ohio's constitution.
2020
The Ohio Supreme Court on April 7 holds oral arguments using videoconferencing – an historical first – with all justices and attorneys appearing remotely during the early days of the worldwide COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Court would go on to hold oral arguments remotely throughout 2020, missing none of its scheduled dates.
2020
The Court issues a video Aug. 12 showing the repairs to the Moyer Judicial Center and documenting the context of the events and circumstances that led to the peaceful protests and ensuing vandalism.
2020
The Moyer Judicial Center suffers extensive damage May 28 and 29 at the hands of vandals who took advantage of the widespread protests in downtown Columbus following the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
2019
Former Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Melody J. Stewart on Jan. 2 becomes the first African-American woman elected statewide to the high court.
2017
The Court commemorates the 30th anniversary of its Off-Site Court program by holding oral arguments Oct. 18 in Marietta — where the program began in 1987.
2012
As part of the Supreme Court’s efforts to increase transparency and understanding of the judicial branch, the Court on July 17 launched Court News Ohio, a comprehensive, multimedia, multiplatform program covering news about the Ohio judicial system.
2011
Hundreds honored the late Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer during a Dec. 2 official session of the Supreme Court in which the Ohio Judicial Center was dedicated in his name. Chief Justice Moyer’s official court portrait was unveiled during the ceremony and installed in the Grand Concourse among the images of the greatest men to serve the citizens of Ohio.
2011
Yvette McGee Brown is sworn in Jan. 8 as the first African-American woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Ohio, following her appointment by Gov. Ted Strickland.
2010
Hundreds pay their respects April 9 to the late Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, whose vision was the catalyst for refurbishment of the old building on Front Street into the glorious Ohio Judicial Center. Chief Justice Moyer lay in state in the Courtroom in a flag-draped coffin for nine hours following his untimely passing.
2010
The people of Ohio experienced the untimely and tragic loss of Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, who died unexpectedly April 2, after serving as the leader of Ohio’s judicial branch for nearly 24 years.
2008
The Supreme Court on Aug. 13 begins implementation of the Ohio Courts Network, a centralized warehouse of case-related data, enabling courts and justice system partners to share information, such as criminal history reviews, warrant and protection order searches, presentencing investigations, background checks and custody reviews.
2007
The Supreme Court celebrates the 50th anniversary of the work of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline during a Nov. 27 ceremony in the Courtroom.
2007
The Supreme Court on Sept. 20 issues the Statement Regarding the Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services by Ohio Lawyers to underscore the obligation attorneys have to facilitate public access to justice and encourage pro bono legal services by Ohio lawyers.
2007
The Supreme Court on March 12 makes image documents of court orders available online through the Court’s website. It earlier began putting briefs and other case filings online as well.
2006
The Ohio Supreme Court on Jan. 19 became the second state court in the U.S. to offer closed-captioning of its oral arguments, providing greater access to justice among the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
2006
The Supreme Court announces on Jan. 11 the pilot Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring program, to help ease new attorneys into their roles of full-time legal professionals. (The program would be made permanent in 2008.)
2005
The Supreme Court on Dec. 12 opens a Visitor Education Center where interactive exhibits and information panels offer visitors an understanding and appreciation of the history, role and responsibility of the Ohio judicial system.
2004
Supreme Court moves into the Ohio Judicial Center on Feb. 17. This move marks the first time ever in Ohio's 200-year history that the judiciary is now housed separately from the other two branches, emphasizing its unique and independent role in state government.
2001
Construction begins on the renovation of the new Ohio Judicial Center (formerly the Ohio Departments Building) located at 65 South Front Street.
2000
Ohio Court Futures Commission issues recommendations on how Ohio courts can meet the challenges of the next 25 years.
1987
Court launches off-site court program. Twice a year court travels to towns across the state to hear and vote on actual cases.
1977
Office of Disciplinary Counsel created to investigate allegations of professional misconduct by attorneys and judges.
1922
Florence Allen elected to Supreme Court, making her the first female Supreme Court justice in the nation.
1912
Constitution ups the number of Supreme Court judges to seven, creates position of chief justice and sets judicial term at six years.
1864
Justice Hocking H. Hunter serves the shortest term on the court. Sworn in the morning of February 9, he resigns that afternoon.
1857
The Supreme Court moves into the Ohio Statehouse and occupies what is now the Speaker's office.
1851
Revised Constitution says Supreme Court judges will be elected and adds fifth judge to the court.
1834
Supreme Court judges now cover 72 counties and ride over 2,000 miles on horseback annually.
1809
Following Rutherford v. M'Faddon, legislature tries to impeach two Ohio Supreme Court justices. The attempt was unsuccessful.
1807
Supreme Court case, Rutherford v. M'Faddon, establishes judicial review, allowing court to decide constitutionality of laws.
1802
First Ohio Constitution establishes Supreme Court and court of common pleas. The three-judge Supreme court to be appointed by Congress and hold court in each county every year. Judges must ride horseback across Ohio, a practice known as "riding the circuit."