Public Access to Court Records

The Supreme Court of Ohio adopted Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio 44-47 effective July 1, 2009. These rules govern the direct and remote access by the public to court records. Court records are defined by the rules as case documents and administrative documents.

The rules were crafted by the Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Superintendence for Ohio Courts, chaired by Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger, and they were put out for two periods of extensive public comment that resulted in revisions and improvements.

Important Points to Understand About the New Access Rules

Chief Justice Offers Historical Perspective on Public Records, Open Government

Summary of Rules

Text of Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Education

Public Access Rules Sup. R. 44 through 47 PowerPoint Presentation

Confidential Personal Identifier Forms

Questions pertaining to the rules may be directed to:

D. Allan Asbury
Administrative Counsel
Office of the Administrative Director
614.387.9514
a.asbury@sc.ohio.gov

John S. VanNorman
Policy & Research Counsel
Office of the Administrative Director
614.387.9512
john.vannorman@sc.ohio.gov

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