At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing exceptional representation to clients navigating Ohio’s appellate court system and federal district courts. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Ohio Appellate Court System Overview

Ohio’s appellate system comprises two primary courts:

  • Ohio Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, it reviews decisions from the Courts of Appeals and has original jurisdiction in select cases. The court consists of seven justices elected to six-year terms.
  • Ohio Courts of Appeals: Serving as intermediate appellate courts, there are twelve districts in Ohio, each encompassing multiple counties. These courts review appeals from common pleas, municipal, and county courts within their districts

Caseload and Statistics

The Ohio Supreme Court manages a substantial caseload annually. In 2023, the court filed 972 jurisdictional appeals and disposed of 1,002 such cases. Additionally, 558 merit cases were filed, with 672 disposed of during the same period. For detailed statistics on the Courts of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court provides interactive data dashboards to assist the public and media in accessing case statistics.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Ohio are governed by the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure. These rules outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within 30 days of the judgment entry being appealed.
  2. Preparation of the Record: Compile the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, to be submitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Ohio’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases. For instance, in 2021, the Ohio Supreme Court handled various cases, including 89 direct appeals originating in the Courts of Appeals and 11 certified conflicts.

Contact Information

Ohio Supreme Court

  • Address: 65 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Phone: (614) 387-9000
  • Website: Ohio Supreme Court

Ohio Courts of Appeals

Ohio is divided into twelve appellate districts, each with its own Court of Appeals. Below are the contact details for each district:

  1. First District Court of Appeals
  2. Second District Court of Appeals
  3. Third District Court of Appeals
  4. Fourth District Court of Appeals
  5. Fifth District Court of Appeals
  6. Sixth District Court of Appeals
  7. Seventh District Court of Appeals
    • Address: 131 West Federal Street, Youngstown, OH 44503
    • Phone: (330) 740-2180

Website: Seventh District Court of Appeals