Ohio Supreme Court to hear eight cases

Court News Ohio

The Supreme Court of Ohio will convene Feb.10-11 to hear oral arguments in eight cases addressing significant legal and constitutional issues. 

Among the cases are a prosecutor’s appeal to reinstate a 16-year-to-life prison sentence for a motorist involved in a fatal crash that killed a firefighter and a property owner’s challenge to a city ordinance limiting unrelated individuals living in a single-family home.

Key Cases on the Docket:

Fatal Crash Sentencing: In State v. Bissell, the Court will determine whether a Cleveland motorist acted “knowingly” when he struck and killed a firefighter at an accident scene. The case could reinstate a 16-year-to-life sentence previously overturned by an appeals court.

Zoning Restrictions: In Havel v. City of Kent Board of Zoning Appeals, a Portage County homeowner argues that a city ordinance limiting unrelated tenants in single-family homes violates property rights under the Ohio Constitution.

Medical Malpractice Damage Caps: In Paganini v. The Cataract Eye Center of Cleveland, the Court will review whether Ohio’s $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages for catastrophic injuries is constitutional.

Bank Tax Dispute: In Dollar Bank v. Harris, a Pennsylvania-based bank challenges Ohio’s financial institutions tax, claiming it violates the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause.

Utility Rider Adjustment: In re Duke Energy Ohio Inc.’s Distribution Capital Investment Rider, the Court will address whether correcting a utility rider calculation constitutes retroactive ratemaking prohibited by state law.

Parking Garage Tax Exemption: In RiverSouth Authority v. Harris, the Court will decide if a Columbus parking garage qualifies for a tax exemption as public property used for a public purpose.

Bicycle Injury Lawsuit: In Liles v. Sporing, the Court will consider whether Ohio’s “saving statute” allows a bicyclist to refile a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expired.

Zoning Rejection Lawsuits: In Sheetz v. City of Centerville, the Court will determine whether a gas station chain can file separate lawsuits for damages and permit approval after a city council rejected its construction permit.

Public Access to Arguments Oral arguments will begin at 9 a.m. each day and can be streamed live at SupremeCourt.Ohio.gov or on the Ohio Channel. Archived recordings are  also available on the Ohio Channel.

* * *

••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 27 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service – and want it to continue – it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.