Programs
Moot Court Resources
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Ohio Courts of Appeals
The courts of appeals are intermediate level appellate courts; their primary function is to hear appeals from the common pleas, municipal and county courts. The state is divided into twelve appellate districts. Each district is served by a court of appeals that sits in each of the counties in that district. The Ohio Courts of Appeals page of the Supreme Court of Ohio website offers details about the Ohio Courts of Appeals with links to each district's info page, website, and resource lists.
Moot Court Videos: Tutorial and Student Panel
Watch this video tutorial to learn more about Moot Court, OCLRE's newest program! A Moot Court how-to for teachers and students, the video outlines Moot Court basics -- brief writing, oral arguments, working with legal advisers, and more. Plus, watch sample student arguments in a simulated hearing:
Students discuss how Moot Court compares to Mock Trial, what to expect, and how to prepare. "Moot Court rocks!"
Thank you to the St. Francis DeSales High School Moot Court team and the Ohio State Bar Association.
Supreme Court of Ohio
The Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Ohio. Most of its cases are appeals from the 12 district courts of appeals. The Supreme Court also has appellate jurisdiction in cases involving questions arising under the Ohio or United States Constitutions. The Supreme Court of Ohio website offers a database of Supreme Court cases, details about the judicial system, and more.
United States Federal Courts of Appeals
The 94 U.S. judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a United States court of appeals. A court of appeals hears appeals from the district courts located within its circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies. The United State Federal Courts website offers details on the Federal Courts system, a glossary of legal terms, and a great Educational Resources section.
United States Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, is the court of last resort for those looking for justice. It ensures each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power, it strikes down laws that violate the Constitution, and it ensures popular majorities can't pass laws that take undue advantage of unpopular minorities. The Supreme Court's website offers details about the courts system, oral argument transcripts, and archived case dockets and briefs.
Watch Moot Court 2014 Competition Oral Arguments, courtesy of the Supreme Court of Ohio: