Ohio Court Watch is a first-of-its-kind initiative bringing a new level of transparency to the judicial system in our state. Moderated by former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly, the program is powered by law students at Cleveland State College of Law who are trained to observe, analyze, and report on cases at every level of Ohio’s courts—from trial courts, to the twelve appellate districts, to the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Our mission is to shine light on how cases move through the judicial system, with a particular focus on the Ohio Supreme Court’s discretionary docket: the cases it chooses to hear, and the many it declines. By documenting both accepted and rejected appeals, our students explore what issues the Court finds to be of “great public interest,” and what important constitutional or systemic concerns are left unaddressed.
Students act as investigative legal journalists. They prepare accessible summaries, highlight key legal issues, and report on the reasoning of majority and dissenting opinions. Just as importantly, they analyze the cases that never make it to the high court, many of which raise pressing questions about due process, sentencing disparities, wrongful convictions, or systemic inefficiencies.
Why This Matters
- For litigators and appellate counsel, our reporting provides insight into what issues are resonating with Ohio’s highest court.
- For journalists, it offers context and a reliable resource for covering the courts.
- For citizens, it delivers plain-language explanations of how judicial decisions impact constitutional rights and daily life.
By training the next generation of lawyers to watch the courts closely—and by sharing their work publicly—Ohio Court Watch promotes accountability, transparency, and trust in the rule of law.
Ohio Court Watch Team
Ohio Court Watch – Promoting Trust in Ohio Courts Through Truth and Transparency.