Chapter 11 – The Judicial Branch
11.1 Purposes of the Ohio Judicial System
The Ohio judicial system exists to maintain order in the state and to promote justice. Its main purpose is to interpret and apply the law fairly and consistently. Judges review the facts of each case, determine how the law applies, and issue rulings or judgments. For example, if someone is accused of theft, the court examines the evidence, applies the law, and decides whether the person is guilty and what the penalty should be.
Justice
In the legal system, justice means treating people fairly under the law. It involves making sure that laws are applied consistently, that individuals’ rights are protected, and that court outcomes are based on evidence and the law rather than bias or favoritism. For example, justice means that guilty people are punished, while innocent people are protected from wrongful conviction and unfair penalties.
Justice is closely tied to the rule of law, the idea that no one is above the law and that legal rules apply equally to everyone.
Courts uphold justice through due process. Due process is the legal principle that the government must respect a person’s rights and follow fair procedures before taking away life, liberty, or property. These procedures include giving notice of charges, providing an opportunity to be heard, and ensuring an impartial trial.
Due process is guaranteed by both the U.S. Constitution and the Ohio Constitution, and it helps protect individuals from unfair treatment by those in power.
Ohio has several levels of courts, from local mayor’s courts to the Supreme Court of Ohio. Different courts handle cases according to their seriousness. A minor traffic violation may be resolved in a mayor’s court, while a major constitutional question could be decided by the Supreme Court.
The system also provides for appeals, allowing higher courts to review decisions made in lower courts. If a person believes a legal mistake occurred in their trial, they can appeal to a higher court, which may overturn or modify the earlier decision. This process limits the power of individual courts or judges and promotes consistency in how laws are applied across the state.
The judicial system also checks the powers of the legislative and executive branches. This power, called judicial review, allows courts to decide whether laws or government actions follow the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions. Judicial review helps maintain a balance of power and protects the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Watch this video from the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to learn more:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlnfr1o7vNc
Duration: 3:51
Reference
Ohio Legislative Service Commission. 2023. Chapter 11 – The Judicial Branch in A Guidebook for Ohio Legislators. Columbus OH.
