RULES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LOGAN COUNTY, OHIO RULE 1 APPLICATION PART I - CIVIL MATTERS The Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) shall apply to all civil proceedings in the Logan County Common Pleas Court, other than actions expressly excepted thereby. RULE 2 COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND MOTIONS All complaints and appeals filed with the Clerk of Courts shall have designated thereon, in the caption of the title of the pleading, the "type" of case, to-wit: One of the following (as set forth in the Rules of Superintendence): Criminal - - - - - - - - CR Domestic Relations - - - DR URESA - - - - - - - - - RE All Other - - - - - - - CV The Clerk of Courts shall not accept for filing any complaint or appeal or civil action unless so designated. RULE 3 FLAT FILING, SPACE FOR FILE STAMP The complaint filed upon commencement of the action and all other pleadings shall be offered for filing without folding or covers, suitable for flat filing system, and, except as to original documents attached or offered as exhibits, shall be prepared upon 8 1/2" by 11" bond paper. The top right hand corner of the initial sheet of every pleading, motion, brief, or other paper filed for record shall have an area approximately two and one half inches by two and one half inches (2 ½ x 2 ½ ) left blank for the Clerk of this Court to file stamp the date and time of filing. RULE 4 SERVICE BY PUBLICATION In any action where service is to be made by publication as authorized by Rule 4.4 ORCP, the attorney filing the necessary affidavit shall at the same time furnish to the Clerk the form of notice of publication which is to be published. Such form shall comply with the requirements of Rule 4.4 ORCP. The Court by Judgment Entry shall approve the affidavit and find the affiant took sufficient steps in making a reasonably diligent effort to locate the parties whose addresses are unknown.
RULE 5 TRIAL ATTORNEY A. NOTIFICATION. It shall be the duty of any attorney upon accepting representation of a defendant in any civil or criminal matter to immediately notify the Court of such representation, even though his appearance may not as yet have been entered in the case. B. DESIGNATION AND RESPONSIBILITY. Unless otherwise ordered, in all actions filed in this Court, all parties not appearing in propria persona shall be represented of record by a trial attorney who is a member of the Bar of Ohio. Thereafter, until such designation is changed by order of the Court, upon motion, said trial attorney shall be responsible for the action and shall attend all hearings and conferences and the trial. C. SIGNING OF PLEADINGS. All pleadings filed on behalf of any party represented by counsel shall be signed by one attorney in his individual name as the trial attorney referred to in paragraph (B) of this rule, followed by the designation "Trial Attorney", together with his typed name, his office address, zip code, telephone number along with area code, and facsimile transmission number. Firm names and the names of co-counsel or associate counsel may appear on the pleadings for information as "of counsel". D. ATTORNEY REGISTRATION NUMBER REQUIRED. All documents filed with the General Division of this Court shall include the attorney registration number issued by the Supreme Court of Ohio for the attorney filing the document. E. NOTICES. All notices and communications from the Court with respect to an action will be sent to the trial attorney. He shall be responsible for notifying his co-counsel or associate counsel of all matters affecting the action. F. PARTICIPATION BY CO-COUNSEL. Any attorney may be permitted to appear and participate as co-counsel, upon motion of the trial attorney for any party. G. WITHDRAWAL OF TRIAL ATTORNEY. No trial attorney shall be permitted to withdraw from an action at any time later than twenty (20) days in advance of trial or the setting of a hearing on any motion for judgment or dismissal. An earlier withdrawal shall be permitted only: (a) Upon his request with the written consent of his
client and the entry of appearance of a substitute trial attorney; or (b) upon his request and showing of a good cause with the consent of the Court and upon such terms as the Court shall impose. RULE 6 MEMORANDA TO BRIEFS Motions not expressly governed by Rules 65 and 75 ORCP shall have attached thereto or be accompanied by citations to applicable authorities or brief of counsel in support thereof. RULE 7 MOTION HEARINGS TO BE REQUESTED; COPIES OF MOTIONS AND NOTICES OF DISMISSAL FILED WITH ASSIGNMENT COMMISSIONER A. All motions shall be decided by the Court without oral hearing unless oral hearing is expressly requested by counsel and good cause shown. B. Motions, except for motions for summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56 (C), ORCP, will be heard no sooner than ten (10) days after notice is served upon the adverse party or counsel, unless for good cause shown or the exigencies of the situation verified by affidavit of the moving party. Motions for summary judgment will be heard pursuant to Rule 56 (C), ORCP, without oral arguments. A party responding to a motion for summary judgment may file Rule 56 materials and memoranda of law within twenty (20) days of the receipt of the motion. A moving party in a Rule 56 proceeding may file a memoranda in response within seven (7) days but may not file any new Rule 56 materials without leave of Court. C. Copies of all motions and notices of dismissal shall be filed with the Assignment Commissioner. RULE 8 CONTINUANCES, RULE DATES AND EXTENSIONS A. No continuance for an oral hearing will be granted except upon written application to the Court, together with evidence of good cause for such continuance. Further, no continuance for an oral hearing shall be granted unless the request for continuance has been approved, in writing, by the party represented by counsel requesting such continuance. The requirement that the motion be signed by the party may be waived by the trial Judge for good cause. All such applications for continuances must be made at least seven (7) days prior to said hearing and must further be approved by the Court. If a continuance is granted, the Court shall, at that time, reset the trial or hearing for a definite date. B. In cases assigned for trial, applications for continuances must be supported by evidence of good cause for continuance; and when such application is based upon the absence of a witness, it must be supported by evidence of reasonable diligence on the part of counsel. All such applications for continuance must be approved by the Trial Judge; and if a jury trial has been called, the expense of calling such jury will be borne by the party requesting the continuance.
C. Prior to the expiration of any Rule date, any party may be permitted leave to move or plead provided the total extension of time does not exceed twenty-one (21) days. Subsequent to the expiration of a Rule date, leave will be granted only for good cause shown in a written motion supported by an affidavit stating facts indicating the practical impossibility of pleading within Rule and demonstrating good cause for further extension. Motion and affidavit will be required even though consent of counsel is obtained if the extension is for a period of time beyond twenty-one (21) days. RULE 9 SHERIFF'S SALE, FORECLOSURE, PARTITION A. No confirmation of any sale by the Sheriff or by any master commissioner or receiver appointed by the Court shall be entered within one (1) week following such sale unless consented to by all parties involved in such suit. B. In foreclosure cases wherein property was purchased by the Plaintiff, sufficient costs, as determined by the Clerk of Courts, shall be deposited with the Clerk of Courts before the Sheriff shall issue the deed thereon. C. In partition cases, no election to take on the report of partition shall be confirmed within one (1) week following the report of the commissioners therein unless the other co-tenants consent thereto in writing. D. In every action filed after January 1, 1995, in the General Division of the Common Pleas Court of Logan County, Ohio, wherein a judicial sale of real estate is contemplated by the complaint or subsequent pleadings, the party praying for said sale or the attorney for the party praying for said sale shall endorse thereon the following certification: "The undersigned hereby certifies to the Common Pleas Court that an examination of the public records of Logan County, Ohio, has been made to determine the ownership of subject real estate and all parties who may claim an interest therein, and that, in the opinion of the undersigned, all parties have been named as parties to this action," stating as exceptions any interested party not so named. E. Upon any decree subsequently issued which orders the sale of real estate, the party or attorney having requested said sale shall further certify: "The undersigned hereby certifies to the Common Pleas Court that the examination of title to subject real estate has been extended to to determine if any parties have acquired any interest therein subsequent to said previous examination and said examination discloses that, in the opinion of the undersigned, there are no such parties except parties to whom the doctrine of lis pendens applies," also stating as further exceptions any such party not subject to lis pendens. F. The Sheriff, deputy or party conducting the sale shall, prior thereto, announce that any purchasers shall have thirty (30) days from the date of sale to obtain an examination of title to said real estate. Should examination disclose the title so purchased to be unmarketable by reason
of any defect in the proceedings or the existence of any interest not disclosed in either of the certifications described above, no liability shall be predicated on the certifications but said purchaser may, within the thirty (30) day period after the sale, notify the Court thereof by written motion requesting that said sale be set aside. If the Court, upon hearing thereof, finds said title to be unmarketable, the Court shall refuse to confirm said sale. The Court may, however, fix a reasonable time, not to exceed ninety (90) days, within which such defects may be corrected. G. A purchaser may waive any part or all of the thirty (30) day period by signing the confirmation entry, but no confirmation entry not approved by the purchaser shall be filed until said period has expired. H. The certifications made in paragraph D and E herein are intended solely for and to inure to the benefit of the Common Pleas Court for purposes of the orderly administration of its cases and no one other than the Common Pleas Court including but not limited to parties to the action and successful purchasers at the judicial sales shall be entitled to rely on these certifications. RULE 10 GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND TRUSTEES No person other than an attorney at law duly admitted to practice the profession of law in the State of Ohio shall be appointed Guardian Ad Litem or Trustee for the suit in any matter or proceeding in this Court. RULE 11 COSTS FOR FILING COMPLAINT IN A CIVIL CASE A(1). Except as otherwise provided, unless a poverty affidavit is filed, a deposit of Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) for costs plus One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) additional for service by publication is required at the time of filing the complaint in any General Division case; and the Clerk shall not file any such complaint unless the same is accompanied by such deposit or such affidavit. A(2). Except as otherwise provided, unless a poverty affidavit is filed, a deposit of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for costs plus One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) additional for service by publication is required at the time of filing the complaint in any Domestic Relations case; and the Clerk shall not file any such complaint unless the same is accompanied by such deposit or such affidavit. B. A deposit of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) shall be made upon filing post decree motions, motions to vacate, revive or modify judgment, motions for reconsideration or motions for relief from judgment. C. Pursuant to Section 2303.201(E)(1), One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) of the fees collected under Section A(1) and Fifty Dollars ($50.00) of the fees collected under Section B in General Division cases shall be used for special projects.
Further, One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) of the fees collected under Section A(2) and Fifty Dollars ($50.00) of the fees collected under Section B in Domestic Relations cases shall be used for special projects. D. A deposit of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) shall be made upon filing a complaint for a judgment upon a cognovit note. E. If the cost deposit required herein is exhausted, the Clerk may require an additional cost deposit, which shall be paid forthwith. RULE 12 REQUEST FOR SEPARATE FINDINGS OF FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW When a party requests the Court to state its findings of fact separately from its conclusions of law under the provisions of Rule 52 ORCP, the party requesting such statement shall, within five (5) days after receipt of notice of the Court's decision, submit to the Court a statement of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and shall serve copies thereof on all opposing parties or their counsel. Within five (5) days after receipt of such proposed statement, each opposing party shall submit to the Court a proposed statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law. For want of strict compliance with this Rule on the part of the party requesting the statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law, the Court will enter a general finding. RULE 13 BRIEFS The Court will not accept a so-called "Confidential Pre-trial Brief". All briefs shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts and shall contain a certification that copies of such briefs have been deposited with or mailed to opposing counsel. If there is no counsel for opposing parties, such certificates shall show that copies of the briefs have been delivered or mailed to such opposing parties. RULE 14 CERTIFICATES OF DELIVERY BY COUNSEL Where the copies of pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda and other papers have been placed in the appropriate attorney's drawer in the Clerk of Court's office, Common Pleas Court, Logan County, Ohio, and the certificates of delivery reflect such action, it shall be deemed by the Court as delivery to counsel pursuant to the requirements of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. The person placing such papers in the appropriate attorney's drawer shall, upon placing such papers in such drawer, note thereon the date of making the deposit, together with that person's signature. If a drawer cannot be found in the Clerk of Court's office with the appropriate attorney's name on it, then delivery to counsel cannot be accomplished under this Rule; and delivery must be accomplished by means of U.S. Postal Service or personal delivery. RULE 15 PREPARING AND FILING JUDGMENT ENTRIES
A. Counsel for the party in whose favor a judgment is rendered, or who is directed to do so by the Court, shall, within seven (7) days thereafter, unless further time be given by the Court, prepare and submit the same to opposing counsel, who shall approve or reject the same within seven (7) days after it is received by him. All objections to such proposed judgment entry shall be in writing and may be answered in writing. However, such written objections shall not alter the time limitations for submission of the entry. B. If any approved entry or a proposed entry with written objection is not presented to the Court within fourteen (14) days, the matter will be assigned for a show cause hearing to determine if the matter should be dismissed or sanctions applied to counsel or the parties. RULE 16 FEES IN COGNOVIT NOTE CASES, TRUSTEES AND GUARDIANS AD LITEM A. An attorney at law appearing in open court and entering the appearance of the defendant and confessing judgment by virtue of a power of attorney attached to a promissory note shall be allowed a fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00), which sum shall be taxed and paid as costs in the case in which said judgment is entered. B. Fees allowed to Trustees and Guardians Ad Litem shall be fixed by the Court according to the services rendered in each case. Appropriate documentation will be required to reflect the services rendered. RULE 17 FEES OF COUNSEL IN PARTITION In fixing fees of plaintiff's counsel in partition cases, the following fee schedule will be followed as a general rule, but with such modifications, revisions, additions or divisions as may seem equitable in such cases, to-wit: 6% on the first Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) 5% on the next Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) 4% on the next Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) 2% on the balance Minimum fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100) RULE 18 FEES OF COUNSEL IN TAX SALE PROCEEDINGS In those situations involving sales of land under Section 5721.18, et seq., Ohio Revised Code, the Court will allow attorneys' fees of up to One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125.00) for title information for each parcel.
Counsel will prepare and submit itemized cost bills justifying their fee; and upon approval, the fee will be taxed as costs in the case. RULE 19 EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES Only one counsel on each side will be permitted to examine a witness on the trial of a case. Only the same counsel who examines a witness will be permitted to object. A witness once dismissed from the stand shall not be called to testify further until all of the other testimony for the same party has been given, except by order of the Court. RULE 20 COURTROOM PROCEDURE A. No photographic, television, recording, broadcasting telephonic equipment or devices shall be used within the confines of the courthouse, and in official business, unless otherwise approved by the Court for trial-relating proceedings and as long as such action is approved by Canon 3A, Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and Rule 12 of the Rules of Superintendence. B. Spectators and others will be seated during recess or adjournment in the courtroom on a firstcome, first-serve basis, for whom seats are provided behind the rail, and remain there until such time as the Court declares a recess or adjournment. C. No person shall have on his person or under his control any dangerous weapon or dangerous ordnance other than police officers on official business. Any person within the confines of the courthouse shall be subject to search at any time by the Sheriff of Logan County, Ohio, or the Court Bailiff. The Sheriff or Court Bailiff are further directed to search any and all spectators at their discretion. D. The courtroom shall be cleared at all noon recesses. E. Representatives of the media will under no circumstances question or converse with prospective or selected jurors concerning a cause set for trial. F. No person except officers of the Court and duly authorized persons shall be permitted in front of the railing or bar of the Common Pleas courtroom. G. There shall be no eating, drinking or smoking in the courtroom. There shall be no smoking on the second floor of the courthouse. H. Any person violating any part of Rule 20 shall be subject to a finding as in "Contempt of Court". RULE 21 COURTROOM DRESS Counsel will insure that their clients and all witnesses appearing in matters before this Court be appropriately attired. Failure of such persons to be dressed appropriately for the occasion will
result in the hearing or trial being continued until such person has complied with the Court's stated policy. RULE 22 SCHEDULING CONFERENCES A. At any time after the service of the complaint, the Judge assigned to the case shall conduct a scheduling conference and issue a Scheduling Order. B. The scheduling conference shall be attended by all counsel of record. Prior to the conference, counsel shall determine (1) their trial availabilities, (2) client's willingness to participate in settlement conference or other alternate dispute resolution methods, and (3) discovery time. C. The Scheduling Order shall establish the following: (1) Discovery cut-off (2) Witness disclosure (3) Time for filing summary judgment motion (4) Pre-trial date (5) Trial dates (6) Settlement conference (7) Other matters appropriate for the Scheduling Order The schedule so ordered shall not be modified except by Order of the Court. D. For good cause shown, counsel may be permitted to participate telephonically. Prior written approval must be obtained from the Court. RULE 23 PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE PURSUANT TO RULE 16, ORCP A. At the discretion of the Court, any civil case may be assigned for a pre-trial hearing. B. The parties and their respective counsel shall appear at each pre-trial session. A corporate party may appear by an officer or by an employee having knowledge of the subject matter of the case. A party who is insured concerning the claims of the case may appear by a claims representative of his public liability insurance company. However, if the pre-trial judge finds that the presence of the insured party is essential to the conduct of the pre-trial, he may direct such party to appear in addition to the claims representative. A party unable to appear by reason of illness, or other disability, or residence outside of the jurisdiction of the Court, may be excused from appearing
upon application to the pre-trial judge. If such party is excused, it is mandatory that he be available by telephone at the time of the pre-trial in order to assist in negotiations. A party may be excused if counsel represents to the Court that he has full and complete negotiations and settlement authority without resort to telephone calls or other devices to contact the client. Whether or not the case is settled, it is likely that by reason of the knowledge gained at pre-trial, the case will be more efficiently tried. C. The pre-trial hearing will be held in a conference room with attorneys for the parties being present only. In the first part of the pre-trial hearing, the pre-trial judge shall inquire into the issues of the case and shall ready the case for trial, reducing to a written pre-trial order all action taken. In the second part of the pre-trial hearing, the pre-trial judge shall undertake separate negotiations with each side, at which the possibility of terminating the case is thoroughly explored. D. The objects of all pre-trial hearings are as follows: 1. A discussion of the issues of the case in which counsel for each party is requested to state the factual and legal contentions of his party, with the Court free to direct inquires to clarify the respective contentions. 2. Any contemplated amendments to the pleadings shall be consummated immediately or completion deadlines shall be fixed. 3. The shortening of trial time by the accomplishment of all possible stipulations as to waiver of jury and as to all matters not actually in dispute, including, but not imited to, the issues of the case, identity and authenticity of documentary evidence, photographs, hospital records and other physical exhibits. 4. All undetermined interlocutory matters, including, but not limited to, objections to deposition questions, interrogatories, motions for physical examinations, motions for production of hospital records and other evidence under the control of the parties, shall be ruled on; and the filing and hearing of any motion for summary judgment may be arranged. E. The pre-trial judge shall have authority to decide any undetermined preliminary matters; to record any admissions, stipulations or agreements; to hear and determine the case with the consent of the parties; to advance the case for immediate trial; to make whatever findings, orders, judgment of decrees as may be warranted and proper under the circumstances and with the scope and spirit of the rule, including the consideration of any pending motion for judgment on the pleadings or for summary judgment; to set the case for trial or dismissal, or to take other appropriate action under the rule if either or all of the parties and their respective counsel fail to appear at the pre-trial hearing having notice thereof. F. Statements of the parties or their counsel made in the course of any pre-trial hearing shall not be binding upon the parties unless expressly made so by written stipulation in the course of the pre-trial or as set forth in the Judge's pre-trial order.
G. The pre-trial judge shall enter a pre-trial order reciting, or otherwise confirming in writing, any amendments allowed to the pleadings, any admissions, stipulations or agreements, action taken or orders, judgments or decrees made in the course of pre-trial hearing, which order shall control the subsequent course of the case unless thereafter modified to prevent manifest injustice. RULE 24 ARBITRATION A. Cases for Arbitration. 1. By agreement of all parties to arbitrate a medical malpractice case as defined in Section 2305.11(d)(3) O.R.C., said case may be assigned for arbitration as provided in Section 2711.21. 2. By assignment of the Court at the scheduling conference in any action wherein the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000, said case may be assigned for arbitration; actions involving title to real estate, equitable relief and appeals are excluded. 3. By agreement of the parties at the scheduling conference where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000, said case may be assigned for arbitration; any time after the scheduling conference, the agreement to arbitrate must be done with leave of Court. B. Selections of Arbitrators and Manner of Appointment. 1. Medical Claims: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2711.21, the three members of the panel shall be appointed by the Judge to whom the case is assigned as follows: (a) The Judge to whom the case is assigned shall designate within forty-five (45) days after the filing of the agreement to arbitrate the arbitration panel chairman. (b) The names of the two (2) members of the panel to be appointed by the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s), respectively, shall be submitted to the Judge within ten (10) days after receipt of the designation provided for in (a) above. (c) If there is a failure of one or more parties to appoint one or more arbitrators as in (b) above, the Judge shall appoint an arbitrator or arbitrators for the party or parties failing to comply, such appointment shall be made within five (5) days. 2. Other Civil Actions: In non-medical claims cases, the Court will appoint one or more arbitrators from a list of those lawyers who have consented to serve in such capacity. If the Court appoints a single arbitrator, a party may file a written request for the appointment of a board of three arbitrators. 3. No party appointed as an arbitrator shall have any interest in the case being heard. 4. No disclosure shall be made to the arbitrators prior to their filing of their report and award of any offers of settlement made by any party. Prior to the delivery of the pertinent portions of the case file to the chairman of the board of arbitrators, the assigned Judge shall examine the file and
remove all papers or notations referring to demands or offers for settlement. The file shall be forwarded to the chairman of the board of arbitrators at the time of the assignment of the case. C. Discovery. The assignment of a case to an arbitration board shall not limit the right of the parties to continue discovery pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure. D. Hearings; When and Where Held; Notice. 1. Hearings shall be held at a place scheduled by the Assignment Commissioner. A hearing shall be scheduled not more than forty-five (45) days after the appointment of the board of arbitration, and the Assignment Commissioner shall notify the arbitrators and the parties or their counsel in writing at least fifteen (15) days before the hearing of the time and place of the hearing. 2. Since sufficient time is available to the parties prior to the hearing date to settle or compromise a dispute, once a hearing date is set, the hearing shall proceed forthwith at the scheduled time. There shall be no communications by counsel or the parties with the arbitrators concerning the merits of the controversy prior to the commencement of the hearing. E. Continuances. When the case has been scheduled and such date is agreed to by all parties, there shall be no continuances without the consent of all parties as well as the consent of the chairman of the board of arbitrators. F. Default of a Party. The arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party who, after due notice, fails to be present or fails to obtain an adjournment. An award shall not be made solely on the default of party; the panel shall require the other party to submit evidence as they may require for the making of the award. G. Conduct of Hearing; General Powers. 1. The member(s) of the panel shall be the judges of the relevancy and materiality of the evidence offered and conformity to legal rules of evidence shall not be necessary. All evidence shall be taken in the presence of the arbitrators, of all the parties, except where any of the parties is absent, in default or has waived the right to be present. In addition to oral testimony, the panel may receive the evidence of witnesses by affidavit, deposition, videotape deposition, interrogatories or written report, and shall give it such weight as the panel deems is justified after consideration of any objections which may be made to such evidence. In the instance of affidavits and written reports, copies shall be furnished to counsel for all parties not less than two (2) weeks in advance of hearing.
2. Counsel shall, upon request and whenever possible, produce a party or witness at the hearing without the necessity of a subpoena. H. Specific Powers. The panel shall have the general powers of a court, including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Subpoenas: To cause the issuance of subpoenas to witnesses to appear before the board and to request the issuance of an attachment according to the practice of the courts for failure to comply therewith. Issuance of subpoenas will be done in the same manner as is used in other types of cases. 2. Production of Documents: To compel the production of all books, papers and documents which are deemed material to the case. 3. Administering Oaths; Admissibility of Evidence: To administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses; to determine the admissibility of evidence; to permit testimony to be offered by depositions; and to decide the law and the facts of the case submitted the panel. I. Supervisory Powers of the Court. The Judge to whom the case is assigned shall have full supervisory powers with regard to any questions that arise in all arbitration proceedings and in the application of these rules. J. Witness Fees. Witness fees shall be in the same amount as now or hereafter provided to witnesses in trials in the Common Pleas Court of Logan County, Ohio, which shall be taxed as costs. K. Transcript of Testimony. The Court shall provide, at the request of any party, an official court reporter for each medical malpractice arbitration hearing. The cost shall be assessed pursuant to Section 2301.21, O.R.C. L. Report and Award. Within thirty (30) days after the hearing, the chairman of the panel shall file a written report and award with the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and on the same day shall mail or otherwise forward copies thereof to all parties to the arbitration or their counsel. In the event that all three members do not agree on the finding and award, the dissenting member shall submit a written dissenting opinion to be filed with the majority report. M. Legal Effect of Report and Award; Entry of Judgment.
1. In medical claims all parties shall file a Notice of Acceptance or Rejection within thirty (30) days of the filing of the Report. If the Report is accepted, the Court shall enter judgment in accordance therewith. 2. In all other claims, any party may appeal the award to the Court if, within thirty (30) days after the filing of the award with the Clerk of Courts, the party (a) files a Notice of Appeal with the Clerk of Courts and serves a copy thereof on the adverse party or parties accompanied by an affidavit that the appeal is not being taken for delay; and (b) reimburse the County for all fees paid to the arbitrators in the case. All appeals under Subparagraph M (2) shall be de novo proceedings at which members of the deciding board or the single arbitrator are barred as witnesses. Exceptions to the decision based on misconduct or corruption of the board or single arbitrator may also be filed by any party within thirty (30) days after the filing of the report, and, if sustained, the report shall be vacated. N. Compensation of Arbitrators. 1. Each member of a panel of arbitrators appointed pursuant to this rule, unless he has waived in writing his right to compensation prior to the hearing, shall receive as compensation for his services in each case a fee of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for the first day plus One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for each fractional half day thereafter. When more than one case arising out of the same transaction is heard at the same hearing or hearings, it shall be considered as one case insofar as compensation of the arbitrators is concerned. The members of a board shall not be entitled to receive their fees until after filing the report and award with the Clerk of Courts. Fees paid to arbitrators shall be assessed pursuant to Section 2711.21, O.R.C. and shall be taxed as costs, one-half to plaintiff(s) and one-half to defendant(s). At the time of the filing of a motion for arbitration, the party making such motion shall deposit Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($450.00) as a guarantee for such costs. If there are multiple movants and they cannot agree as to their proportionate share of the deposit, upon proper motion, the Judge to whom the case is assigned shall order the apportionment. When it appears proper, the Court may order additional deposits. 2. In cases which require additional deposits for payment of arbitrators due to the arbitration lasting more than one day, the deposit to cover the additional costs shall be made not later than five (5) days after the completion of the arbitration. 3. Payment of fees shall be authorized by the Judge to whom the case is assigned by Court Entry on a form to be provided by the Assignment Commissioner. 4. In all cases in which the movant(s) has filed a poverty affidavit or in which an insufficient deposit has been made to pay movant(s)'s portion of the compensation due the arbitrators and in which an award, settlement or judgment has been made in favor of the movant(s), the losing party(ies) shall first pay to the Clerk of this Court out of such award, settlement or judgment and before making any payment to the movant(s), an amount equal to the undeposited movant(s)'s
portion of the compensation due the arbitrators. Otherwise, all compensation for arbitrators not paid from costs shall be paid upon proper warrant from the funds of Logan County, Ohio. RULE 24.1 SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE The Court may assign any civil case for a settlement conference. The parties and counsel shall attend. In case of an insured party, a representative of the carrier must attend. Each party should evaluate their case prior to this conference and be prepared to make their final settlement position known. A brief statement outlining the facts, issues, and available insurance coverage shall be submitted to the officer conducting the conference and not filed with the Clerk. Said written statement shall be served upon opposing counsel. The Court will issue a sealed report of the settlement conference which may be relied upon by the parties if prejudgment interest is requested. The settlement report shall be sealed by the Clerk of Courts. Statements made at the settlement conference and statements made in the written statement required above shall be treated as settlement negotiations and shall not be admissible as evidence. RULE 24.2 MEDIATION A. Purpose. The Logan County Common Pleas Court, General Division, hereby formalizes a mediation program to utilize assigned mediators for civil and domestic relation cases to decrease judicial involvement and produce early, cost effective resolutions of pending cases through mediated agreements. B. Procedure At any time after service of summons in any action within the jurisdiction of this court, a case may be ordered to mediation at the discretion of the assigned judge or magistrate (Revised Code Section 2303.202). The mediation coordinator within seven days after receipt of the court's order will assign a date for initial mediation upon consultation with counsel and the assigned mediator. All parties and counsel will receive confirmation of date set and a list of participants ordered to attend the mediation conference. Initial mediation will be scheduled for a minimum of two hours. Continuances as a rule will not be granted. An agreement to mediate will need to be signed prior to mediation. An advance copy will be available upon request. C. Briefs and Attendance The parties and counsel shall attend. In case of an insured party, a representative of the carrier must attend. Each counsel shall file with the mediator, but not with the Clerk, a concise
statement setting forth the facts, the disputed issues of fact or law, and the amounts and type of insurance coverage available. Said statement shall be served upon opposing counsel. Each party shall be prepared to fully discuss the case with the mediator as well as presenting crucial items of evidence. D. Confidentiality Statements made during the course of mediation assessment or the mediation sessions shall not be admissible in any subsequent proceeding in the Court (Revised Code Section 2317.023). Exceptions to confidentiality are only as provided by state statute including the reporting of a crime or of child abuse or neglect (Revised Code Section 3109.052 and 2151.421). The mediator will not be called as a witness in any future legal proceeding that may involve matters discussed by the parties at mediation. No records, notes, or other work product resulting from the mediation will be called for or subpoenaed in the future by any party (Revised Code Section 3109.051(C); State ex. rel. Schneider v. Kreiner (1998), 83 Ohio St.3d 203). E. Fees The Court may charge a reasonable fee to be collected on the filing of each civil or criminal action and that is to be used in the implementation of dispute resolution procedures (Revised Code Section 2303.202). The parties may agree among themselves how to apportion the costs of mediation. In the event that they cannot agree, the Court shall apportion the cost of mediation after considering the parties respective ability to pay. F. Civil At the scheduling conference or any point after service of summons the Court may order parties to mediation. When a full or partial agreement is reached in mediation, a memorandum of understanding will be created and signed by all parties. G. Failure To Appear Participants ordered to mediation that fail to attend will be required to show cause before the referring Judge or Magistrate as to why they should not be held in contempt for defying the Court's order. If a party is found in contempt sanctions deemed appropriate by Judge or Magistrate will be issued. Failure of Plaintiff to appear in Civil Mediation may result in the complaint being dismissed. Failure of Defendant to appear in Civil Mediation may result in the Answer being stricken and judgment entered against Defendant. H. Qualification Persons appointed to serve as mediators shall have such qualifications as deemed appropriate by the referring judge. In Domestic Relations cases Superintendency Rule Sixteen shall apply. All mediators are required to have a bachelor's degree and a juris doctorate. Completion of at least
twelve hours of basic mediation training, or equivalent experience as a mediator is required. A list of mediators and their experience and qualifications shall be maintained by each court. RULE 25 WITHDRAWAL OF FILES The Clerk of Courts shall not permit any original files pertaining to cases entered upon the Appearance Docket to be taken from her office or custody unless the same is delivered to the Judge of this Court. Any individual found to be otherwise in possession of such court records will be cited in contempt. RULE 26 FINAL RECORD AND SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENTS Final record is not made unless ordered by the Court. Satisfaction of all judgments is to be shown by entry. The practice of showing satisfaction by having plaintiff's counsel show on the docket that there has been satisfaction has been discontinued. RULE 27 BRIEFS IN CASES TRIED TO COURT Briefs, if any, in cases tried to the Court shall be submitted at the time of the hearing unless the Court, for good cause, extends the time for submitting the same. RULE 28 DISMISSALS The Court may dismiss, after Notice of Intention to Dismiss, on its own motion, all cases in which: A. There has been no affirmative action taken for six months; or B. The parties and counsel have not responded to a show cause order. If no affirmative action is taken (such as request for assignment or request, for good cause, that the case be allowed to pend), any such cases will be dismissed after any established deadline is passed after depositing in the Clerk of Court's drawer notice to counsel and/or parties that the Court is considering dismissal of such case. Such dismissals shall be without prejudice, without record and costs to be taxed as the Court deems just. RULE 29 PROCEEDINGS IN AID OF EXECUTION In connection with the Proceedings in Aid of Execution, unless a party objects, instead of sending a paymaster or other witness to testify before the Court, the defendant's employer may answer a questionnaire and send it by mail to the Clerk. Such reports are returnable to the Clerk on or before 10:00 A.M. on the Monday following the week in which the proceeding was filed.
Upon the conclusion of any debtor's examination or other such proceedings in aid of execution, the party conducting the same shall see that an entry is filed reflecting the satisfactory completion of the proceedings so the Court will know that further steps are not required. RULE 30 TRUSTEE'S ACCOUNTS A. Every trustee administering a trust in this Court shall render an account of the administration of his trust at least once in each two (2) years, unless upon order of the Court, on its own motion, or upon the motion of any person interested in the trust for good cause shown, such account be required at other times. B. Every such trustee shall render a final account within thirty (30) days after termination of such trust, or within such period of time as the Court may order. C. Such accounts shall be prepared, filed, assigned for hearing, notices published and exceptions taken in such manner as prescribed for decedent's estate. D. If such trustee neglects or refuses to file an account when due or when ordered by the Court, the Court on its own motion may, and on the application of any interested party, issue a citation to such trustee to compel the filing of the overdue account. In case such trustee fails to file such account within thirty (30) days after he has been served with such citation, no allowances shall be made for his services in the Court IF the Court finds that such delay was unreasonable. RULE 31 RECEIVERSHIPS When an application is made for the appointment of a Receiver, the hearing thereon shall be ordered by an entry and notice to interested parties. Unless otherwise ordered, a schedule of secured and unsecured creditors shall be filed within five (5) working days from the time the application for a Receiver is filed in order that the record will show who is "interested". Unsecured creditors and secured creditors whose security is threatened shall have their recommendations as to the appointment of the Receiver and his counsel carefully considered. The Receiver shall post bond as ordered by the Court and file an inventory not later than thirty (30) days from his appointment. Unless otherwise ordered, the practice prescribed by statute in the administration of decedent's estates shall be followed as to notice and hearings on exceptions to such inventory. As to accounts, unless otherwise ordered, the procedure prescribed by statute for decedent's estates shall govern. The Clerk shall keep a docket of all cases in which a receivership is pending. RULE 32 ALLOWANCE TO FIDUCIARIES FOR SERVICES AND ATTORNEY'S FEES
In any matter pending in this Court in which a Trustee, Receiver or other fiduciary has been appointed by this Court, and such fiduciary desires to secure from the Court an allowance of compensation for his services and/or for attorney's fees for services rendered, such fiduciary shall: A. File in this Court a written application for such allowance, which said application shall contain notice of the time and date for the hearing of the same, which shall not be less than five (5) days from the filing of such application and shall file a sufficient number of copies of such application so that one of such copies shall be available to each counsel. At or after the time and date of the hearing for such application, the Court shall make such order and judgment as it may deem proper. B. The provisions of this Rule shall not apply to applications for compensation where the account requested is less than One Hundred Dollars ($100) nor shall the rule be applicable to actions wherein such fees or compensation are fixed in journal entries which are approved by counsel of the other parties in the case in question. RULE 33 NOTARIES PUBLIC The Assignment Commissioner shall conduct at the courthouse, under the supervision of the Court, examinations of all applicants for appointment as Notaries Public of this county for the purpose of determining whether the applicant possesses the qualifications necessary to the proper discharge of the duties of the office set forth in Section 147.02 of the Ohio Revised Code. This Rule, however, shall not apply to persons who are admitted to practice law in this State and those appointed official court reporters. Every applicant shall first file with the Assignment Commissioner his application, a statement in writing, under oath, which statement shall be in such form and set forth such matters as this Court shall prescribe. The Court shall duly pass on the application as the facts and the law may require. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount hereinafter provided, which will be returned to the applicant if he is not permitted to take the examination by reason of a lack of citizenship, legal residence or other statutory requirement. If his name is placed on the examination roll and he fails to receive a recommendation of approval, a new application may be filed and an additional examination fee in the amount hereinafter provided must accompany each such subsequent application. The Court will not consider or act upon the application of any person to become a Notary Public unless there is first submitted to him the aforesaid statement in writing, under oath. Any complaint filed seeking to have a notary removed, suspended or disciplined shall be heard by the Court at such time and place as the Court shall determine and after notice thereof to the complainant and the individual or individuals against whom the complaint is filed.
Whenever any applicant is not qualified for appointment to the office of Notary Public, said applicant may file a new application for reexamination, within one (1) month. Should said applicant upon second examination be still unqualified to hold said office, then said applicant shall not be permitted to file an application for an additional examination until thirty (30) days shall have elapsed from the date of said second examination. Should said applicant be still unqualified to hold said office upon said third examination, then said applicant shall not be permitted to file an additional application. Any person who has been commissioned as a Notary Public heretofore by this Court, who desires a renewal of such commission, shall file his application on a form provided by the Secretary of State for such renewal with the Court, who may approve or refer for examination as provided. The amount of the fees hereinbefore designated to be paid are fixed as follows: Original application $25.00 Reexamination 15.00 Renewal application with examination 15.00 Upon payment of the fee of $25.00 for an original application, the applicant shall be entitled to receive a copy of the Guidebook for Notaries Public, without charge, otherwise the cost of such guidebook shall be $1.00. RULE 34 MAGISTRATES The Magistrates of this Court are hereby appointed to assist the Court in Civil, Domestic Relations, and Criminal proceedings. The Magistrates are hereby granted all the power and authority not excluded by law and as previously ordered by this Court. Any reference to a Referee in law shall mean Magistrate. Said Magistrates shall have all powers and authority to act pursuant to any rule or statute applicable to their office. The Magistrate of this Court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions contained in Ohio Civil Rule 53 to bring such proceedings to a fair and just conclusion. RULE 35 COURT SECURITY A. The Court hereby adopts the written security policies and procedural manual as recommended by the Court's Security Advisory Committee. The Court should regularly review and revise this procedure.
B. The Court, in conjunction with the Probate/Juvenile Division of this Court, and in conjunction with the Bellefontaine Municipal Court, has previously appointed a local Court Security Advisory Committee pursuant to Standard 2 of the Court's Security Standards. Each year with the organization of the Common Pleas Court, the membership of the Security Committee should be reviewed and replacements appointed by the Presiding Judge of this Court. C. All persons entering the Court facility including elected officials, Court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement and security officers are hereby subject to security screening on each visit to the Court facility. D. Uniformed, armed law enforcement officers shall be assigned specifically to ensure the security of each courtroom proceeding. Such officers should be certified through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council and should receive specific training on courtroom security and weapons instruction specific to the court setting. E. No weapons shall be permitted in the court facility except those carried by the court's security officers or by law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their employment. Law enforcement officers who are parties to a judicial proceeding as a plaintiff, defendant, witness or interested party outside of the scope of their law enforcement employment shall not be permitted to bring weapons into the courtroom. A secure place to check weapons will be provided by the court's security officers. F. Prisoners should be transported within the court facility through areas which are not accessible to the public. If that is not possible, the prisoner should be handcuffed behind the back and secured by leg irons. A bailiff or court security officer or other law enforcement officer shall remain with the prisoner at all times. Each courtroom shall be equipped with a duress alarm connected to the Sheriff's Office. The duress alarms will be located in the Judge's chambers, magistrates' offices, and at the work station of the bailiff. G. The Court will adopt procedures for the security of its judges and other court personnel for periods of times outside of normal working hours. H. New construction or remodeling of court facilities should include circulation patterns that govern the movements of people in the courtrooms. Judges, court personnel, and prisoners should have separate routes to and from the courtroom. I. Every violation of law that occurs within a court facility should be reported to a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. The Court will adopt a policy for reporting security incidents and the Court shall report said incidents to the law enforcement agency having the appropriate jurisdiction. An annual report shall be made to the Supreme Court of all incidents reported under this Rule. RULE 36 JURIES A. JURY USE AND MANAGEMENT PLAN.