Every Other Week

When I talk to students, one question that comes up regularly is how often the Ohio Supreme Court hears cases.

Generally speaking, we hold oral arguments over two days every other week throughout the year. This week we hear cases Tuesday and Wednesday (with Wednesday’s session in Marion as part of the offsite court program). The court week is followed by an off-week when the justices have the opportunity to work on pending cases and prepare for new ones – most of the work of the court is actually done beyond the scene of the courtroom.

When our Supreme Court is in session, we hear four to six cases per day. The parties have 15 minutes apiece (except in death penalty cases where each side gets 30 minutes) to argue their positions and the attorneys must also answer questions from the justices during this time. Oral arguments begin at 9 a.m.

I hope you get a chance to hear and see an oral argument. If you can’t come to the court in person, you may watch a case online. Each day starts with these words from the marshal when he opens court:
“All rise. The honorable Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio.”

To watch a case that’s already been argued, click this link:

http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Collection.aspx?collectionId=108262&action=clear.