Courts
There are three levels of the Ohio state judiciary. The lowest level is the courts of common pleas, the intermediate-level courts are the district courts of appeals, and the highest-ranking court is the Ohio Supreme Court. Ohio municipal and county courts hear cases involving traffic violations, non-traffic misdemeanors, evictions and small civil claims (in which the amount in controversy does not exceed than $15,000), and also conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases. Ohio mayor's courts are created by some municipalities and hear cases involving traffic violations, violations of city ordinances, and other misdemeanors.
Supreme Court
The highest-ranking court, the Ohio Supreme Court, is Ohio's "court of last resort."[1] A seven-justice panel composes the court, which, by its own discretion, hears appeals from the courts of appeals, and retains original jurisdiction over limited matters.[2]
District courts of appeals
The intermediate-level courts are the Ohio district courts of appeals.[3] Twelve courts of appeals exist, each retaining jurisdiction over appeals from common pleas, municipal, and county courts in a set geographical area.[4] A case heard in this system is decided by a three-judge panel, and each judge is elected.[4]
Court of Claims
The Ohio Court of Claims is a court of limited, statewide jurisdiction. The court's jurisdiction extends to matters in which the State of Ohio is a party and the state has waived its sovereign immunity by statute, and also hears appeals from decisions made by the Ohio Attorney General on claims allowed under the Victims of Crime Act.
