Continuances

It is the Court's practice that continuances and extensions will be granted if reasonable. Requests for continuances must be presented to the Court a minimum of five (5) days prior to the court date. Agreed requests are preferred. Motions must specify whether the request is agreed or opposed.

Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. No hats, food, drinks, or use of cellular phones when court is in session. Appropriate attire is required for attorneys and litigants. Professionalism and respect toward court and opposing counsel is expected at all times. 

Motions & Briefs

For most civil cases, the court will refer the case for mediation shortly after it is assigned. If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will be set for pretrial. Additional pretrials may be scheduled by the court if necessary.

Other

Motions are to be submitted timely with a proposed Entry and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without oral hearing unless requested by the parties. All motions will be reviewed and decided in a timely manner. Continuances will be granted for good cause.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Civil counsel for the parties should have authority to act on behalf of their clients. Counsel are required to confer before the hearing and make a sincere effort to settle the case. Requests for telephone pretrials should be agreed on by all parties and will be granted.

General

Criminal and traffic cases are automatically set for pretrial after a jury demand is filed. Criminal defendants are to be present for a plea unless their counsel has a court-approved Plea in Absentia form. Hearing dates for motions will not be scheduled until a motion is filed. 

Motions & Briefs

The Court will entertain motions for bond modification only on the record, in open court, and with prior notice to the prosecutor. The court will entertain requests for warrant set asides only in the presence of the defendant and the prosecutor.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to the pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery. Prosecutors' Courtroom Assignments  

Jury Procedures

The Court will provide jury instructions with copies to each counsel to review and will make any changes necessary if agreed upon. Jurors will be permitted to take notes and are permitted to inspect exhibits that have been admitted during deliberation in the jury room. Jurors will be permitted to ask questions in writing during deliberations.