Law of Ohio

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Ohio General Assembly
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Enacted by	Ohio General Assembly
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The Law of Ohio refers to the legal system and body of laws that govern the state of Ohio in the United States. The law of Ohio is based on a combination of statutory law, common law, and constitutional law. It encompasses a wide range of legal topics, including criminal law, civil law, family law, property law, and more.

History

The legal system in Ohio traces its roots back to the early days of the state's settlement. Ohio became a state on March 1, 1803, and its legal system was established shortly thereafter. The Ohio General Assembly, the state's legislative body, is responsible for enacting laws in Ohio. Over the years, the law of Ohio has evolved and been amended through various legislative acts.

Sources of Law

The law of Ohio is derived from several sources. The primary source of law in Ohio is statutory law, which consists of laws enacted by the Ohio General Assembly. These laws are compiled in the Ohio Revised Code, which is regularly updated to reflect new legislation and amendments.

In addition to statutory law, the law of Ohio is also influenced by common law. Common law refers to legal principles and precedents established by court decisions. Ohio courts often rely on common law when interpreting statutes or resolving legal disputes where no specific statute exists.

Furthermore, the Ohio Constitution serves as a fundamental source of law in the state. It outlines the basic rights and responsibilities of Ohio citizens and establishes the structure and powers of the state government. The Ohio Supreme Court, the highest court in the state, plays a crucial role in interpreting and applying the Ohio Constitution.

Legal System

The legal system in Ohio is structured in a hierarchical manner. At the highest level is the Ohio Supreme Court, which consists of seven justices. The Supreme Court has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts and has the final say on matters of state law.

Below the Ohio Supreme Court are the appellate courts, which are divided into twelve districts. These courts primarily handle appeals from lower courts and have the power to interpret and apply the law within their respective districts.

The trial courts in Ohio are divided into two main categories: the general division courts and the municipal courts. The general division courts, also known as common pleas courts, have jurisdiction over a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Municipal courts, on the other hand, handle less serious criminal offenses and civil cases involving smaller amounts of money.

Notable Laws

Ohio has enacted several notable laws that have had a significant impact on the state and its residents. One such law is the Ohio Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most public places and places of employment to protect public health.

Another important law in Ohio is the Ohio Revised Code Title XXIX, which deals with domestic relations and family law. This section of the code covers topics such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption, among others.

Additionally, Ohio has implemented laws to address criminal justice reform, voting rights, and environmental protection, among other areas of concern.

See Also

• Ohio General Assembly
• Ohio Revised Code
• Ohio Constitution