11.4 Mayor’s Courts

Mayor’s Courts are local courts found in some Ohio cities but not all. These courts handle minor cases like traffic violations and local ordinance issues. Unlike other courts, the mayor can be the judge, and they don’t have to be a lawyer, but they must get some legal training. Mayor’s Courts are not courts of record, meaning they don’t keep a full transcript of proceedings, but they must report their activities to the Ohio Supreme Court. If someone wants to appeal a decision from a Mayor’s Court, they can go to the Municipal or County Court.

Case Example 

In a Mayor’s Court, a typical case might involve a local resident who was cited for running a stop sign in a residential neighborhood. The resident challenges the citation, so the mayor or an appointed magistrate would hear the case, determine whether the traffic violation occurred, and decide the appropriate penalty, such as a fine.

The Sometimes Unfair Financial Burden of Fines and Fees  

Fines are monetary penalties imposed by a court as punishment for violating the law. They can be given for various offenses, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, and other minor infractions. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the offense and local laws. Fines are meant to deter future violations and generate revenue for the government.

Many Ohio mayor’s courts depend on money from fines and fees to operate. This can lead to a conflict of interest, where the courts issue more fines and fees to make money. It also raises concerns about fairness.

For example, small traffic violations can result in large fines. If people can’t pay these fines, they face additional penalties like license suspensions and even jail time. This can trap them in a cycle of debt and legal problems, worsening their financial situation.

Supporters of fines and fees argue that these penalties are necessary to enforce traffic laws and other ordinances, ensuring public safety and compliance. They believe that fines act as a deterrent, discouraging people from breaking the law. Additionally, supporters might point out that fines and fees provide essential funding for the court system and other public services, helping to maintain infrastructure and community programs.

However, while fines and fees can promote compliance, they disproportionately impact low-income individuals, creating a cycle of debt and legal troubles that can be difficult to escape. Alternative approaches, such as income-based fines or community service, could potentially achieve the same goals of compliance and safety without unfairly burdening the poor.

This isn’t just a problem in Ohio. If you want to learn more, read this opinion piece about St. Louis County, Missouri.

Reference

Sracic, Paul A., and William C. Binning. 2015. Chapter 5 – Courts in Ohio in Ohio Government and Politics. Washington DC: CQ Press p. 81-83.