Court of Claims

The Court of Claims, which has offices and courtrooms on the 3^rd and 4^th floors of the Ohio Judicial Center, has original jurisdiction to hear and determine all civil actions filed against the state of Ohio and its agencies. The court also hears appeals from decisions made by the attorney general on claims allowed under the Victims of Crime Act.

The Court of Claims decides civil claims that typically involve contract disputes, property damage, personal injury, immunity of state officers and employees, discrimination and wrongful imprisonment. Civil complaints filed for $2,500 or less are decided on the contents of the case file or "administratively" by the clerk or a deputy clerk of the court. Appeals filed by crime victims are heard and determined by a panel of three commissioners who are appointed by the Supreme Court for a term of six years.

The Court of Claims holds trials in three courtrooms. Unlike the Supreme Court courtroom, all the courtrooms include witness stands - one of the courtrooms on the 3^rd floor has a jury box as well.

Benches in each courtroom are cherry wood with bronze ornamentation and Italian green marble baseboards. Courtroom lighting replicates the style of the 1930s as does the Axminster carpeting in each.