Commencement of Action and General Procedures

Generally

Per civil rules and court rules.

Status Conferences

See pretrial.
Policy concerning contacts with judge and law clerk/staff attorney.  Open door policy, but please don't "crash" the bench when court is in session.

Motions and Briefs

Extra copies are not required. There are no special procedures.
Motion practice in all cases conducted in as liberal a manner as practical with extensions granted for good cause. Oral hearings are always granted.

Continuances

Extensions and continuances are liberally granted, but I make every effort to terminate cases within the time guidelines of the Rules of Superintendence.

Civil Pretrial Procedures

Generally

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Pretrial conferences and orders

Conferences are held on every civil case on a separate date prior to trial.  All relevant issues are discussed, via telephone if necessary.
Counsel should have authority to act on behalf of their clients.  Litigants need not be present, but should be within reach by phone. Further instructions are mailed in a "Pretrial Letter".
Jury instructions are given if requested.

Criminal Pretrial Procedures

Pleas

Jury waiver form is used.  Crim. R. 11 advisories are addressed on each case. I accept nolo contendere or Alford pleas
The prosecutor is free to make sentencing recommendation. I feel free to impose any lawful sentence.

Pretrial conferences and orders

Criminal defendants are to be present.  Counsel should be prepared to discuss their case with the prosecutor and terminate it at pretrial if possible.

Trial

Generally

I enjoy conducting court in as relaxed an atmosphere as possible, keeping in mind basic rules of fairness.  Counsel are expected to be prepared and willing to discuss their matters with an eye towards efficient termination of cases.  Every effort is made to adhere to the rules of procedure and the law. A relaxed atmosphere is desirable. Few written documents are required, with jury instructions, if desired, being a major exception.

Trial Date

Defense counsel select a date at pretrial.  Continuances can be granted at any point.

Trial Schedule

We try to set no more than 20-25 juries per date.

Voir Dire

Counsel conducts voir dire without interference from the bench. Peremptory challenge procedures are standard.

Decorum

Litigants, witnesses and counsel are asked to be as respectful and decorous as possible.  This is essential due to the sheer volume of cases in our court and number of persons in the courtroom.
It is not necessary to conduct examination from the lectern.  Participants should be addressed formally.  Permission is not needed to approach a witness.
Counsel should dress professionally. Defendants should be neat. Casual attire is fine.

Opening Statement

No time limits.  Exhibits can be used in opening statements.

Stipulations

Varies.

Exhibits

Exhibits which are marked and discussed or admitted are to be maintained by the court stenographer.

Experts

Qualifications are confirmed per Ohio Law.

Objections

Need to be timely made

Closing statements

Conference before summation is not required.  No time limitations.

Jury procedures

The court will not require written documents, such as jury instructions.  However, if they are desired, that may be an exception to the rule.
Jurors are not permitted to take notes.  Exhibits may be inspected by jurors at trial or in the jury room.
The jury is instructed by me, personally.  Counsel is permitted to talk to jurors after the verdict