11.7 Courts of Appeals

The Courts of Appeals in Ohio serve as intermediate appellate courts, which means they review decisions made by lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly. Ohio is divided into twelve appellate districts, and each district has its own Court of Appeals. These courts hear cases from the Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal Courts, and County Courts. When someone loses a case in one of these lower courts and believes there was a legal error, they can appeal to the Court of Appeals. A panel of three judges reviews each case, examining the records from the lower court and considering written and oral arguments from both sides.

The Courts of Appeals have the authority to affirm, reverse, or modify the decisions of lower courts. They also have original jurisdiction over certain special types of cases, such as those involving writs of habeas corpus and mandamus. Judges on the Courts of Appeals are elected to six-year terms and must have practiced law for at least six years before taking office. These courts play a vital role in ensuring fairness and consistency in the application of the law across Ohio.