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Keeping the grass short is not enough: The Supreme Court refines adverse possession in NC Enterprises

By Terry Posey on May 5, 2026

Adverse possession is a doctrine that every lawyer encounters early in their first-year law school property class—the classic “squatter’s rights” analysis involving “open, notorious, exclusive and hostile” possession. Despite its ancient roots, it remains “still new law” as the Ohio Supreme Court continues to issue significant clarifications on the high bar required to strip a record title holder of their property.

Overruling precedent in Ohio: The Westfield v. Galatis test explained

By Brad Hughes on April 21, 2026

**Ohio’s Westfield v. Galatis test for overruling precedent**

Nearly 25 years ago, the Westfield Ins. Co. v. Galatis decision established the Ohio Supreme Court’s three-part test for overruling its own precedent. This is an essential framework for understanding Ohio appellate law. In Galatis, the court emphasized that stare decisis remains the “bedrock of the American judicial system,” ensuring stability and predictability in the law.

Analyzing the March 17, 2026 Ohio Supreme Court jurisdictional announcements

By Terry Posey on March 30, 2026

The Ohio Supreme Court’s jurisdictional announcement on March 17, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of the “selective” nature of the discretionary docket. While previous weeks in February and early March showed higher acceptance rates due to held cases, this most recent announcement saw a return to a high-threshold review, particularly in the civil arena. Below, we break down the data from this release, including a practice-area analysis, and how it impacts the 2026 Year-to-Date (YTD) benchmarks for practitioners.

When does the zoning appeal clock start in Ohio?

By Terry Posey on March 18, 2026

The Supreme Court of Ohio recently clarified a key question in Ohio zoning law: when does a zoning decision trigger the right to appeal? In 729 West 130th Street, L.L.C. v. Hinckley Twp. Bd. of Zoning Appeals, the court held that an informal email from a zoning inspector is not a “decision” under R.C. 519.15 and does not start the 20-day appeal deadline.

What’s in a name? – Ohio’s tradition of name familiarity on the appellate bench

By Porter Wright on March 16, 2026

It is often said that in Ohio politics, a good last name is worth ten points on Election Day and a lifetime of “Wait, which one are you again?” at the local bar association holiday party. For attorneys navigating Ohio’s 12 appellate districts, the roster of Ohio appellate judges can sometimes feel like a family reunion.

Inside the “black box:” Analyzing the March 3, 2026 jurisdictional announcements

By Terry Posey on March 12, 2026

The Supreme Court of Ohio released another round of jurisdictional decisions on March 3, 2026, declining review in 32 cases and accepting two criminal appeals. The latest discretionary docket update provides additional data for our 2026 year-to-date analysis of Ohio Supreme Court acceptance rates and jurisdictional trends. This announcement addresses 32 rejections and 2 targeted acceptances giving more data for our 2026 Year-to-Date (YTD) analytics but largely confirming the Feb. 21 statistics.

Inside the “black box:” Analyzing the Feb. 17, 2026 jurisdictional announcements

By Terry Posey on February 24, 2026

Welcome back to OhioAppeals.com. For practitioners, the Ohio Supreme Court’s discretionary docket can often feel like a black box. By tracking every yes and no, we aim to provide a data-driven look at how the Supreme Court is shaping its calendar.

Victory without a word: How to win your case at the Ohio Supreme Court without merit briefing or oral argument

By Tony Graber on April 10, 2025

When the Ohio Supreme Court accepts a proposition of law for jurisdictional appeal, it typically requires litigants to file merit briefs and present oral arguments before the Court. But what if the Ohio Supreme Court and an intermediate appellate court issue conflicting rulings almost simultaneously? In rare instances, after issuing its ruling in an already submitted case, the Court may sua sponte accept your client’s jurisdictional appeal and render a judgment based on the precedent set in that prior case – resolving your case in one swift action.

Does your judge need a nudge? Consider the Ohio Supreme Court’s recently launched Case Inquiry Form

By Brad Hughes on September 9, 2024

Time may be of the essence, but the wheels of justice turn slowly

The Ohio Supreme Court has recently focused on initiatives to enhance the timelier administration of justice. The Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, for example, impose time limits for appellate and civil cases as indicated on the Supreme Court’s case-management reporting forms.

The first checklist question: Is there a final appealable order?

By Mac Kelly & Porter Wright on August 19, 2024

On Aug. 7, 2024, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the appeal in Kyser v. Summit County Children Services (discretionary case number 2022-1419 and certified conflict case number 2023-0126) for lack of a final appealable order under R.C. 2506.01 on a 5-2 vote. The decision came after full rounds of substantive briefing in the trial court, intermediate appellate court, and the Supreme Court of Ohio. On the eve of oral argument before the Supreme Court of Ohio, the court requested briefing on whether a final appealable order existed and, ultimately, dismissed the appeal on that basis.