Touring the Ohio Judicial Center

The Supreme Court of Ohio is housed in a building rich with history, art and unique architectural features. Thousands of visitors tour the Ohio Judicial Center each year.

Volunteers lead scheduled 45-minute tours through the first two floors of the building, which feature art with American Indian, Art Deco and Classic motifs. The tour features information about the building history, art, architecture, Ohio history and the workings of the court system.

When the Supreme Court is in session, visitors are encouraged to sit in the gallery to observe the proceedings. Brief explanations of cases being heard are available on the Court Web site. The schedule and the briefs are posted on the Thursday prior to Court sessions. Visitors may enter the gallery from the short hallway at the south end of the Courtroom.

The Ohio Judicial Center is a secure building. All visitors must present photo identification and successfully complete the physical screen process before being admitted to the building.

Beginning in late 2005, tours will include the Visitor Education Center, which will showcase a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the court system in Ohio and the ever-present role of the law in the everyday lives of Ohioans.

A feature of the Visitor Education Center will be a mock courtroom designed for school groups and mock trial teams interested in a more hands-on Court visitation experience.

For more information about either the Judicial Education Center or Supreme Court tours, please call the Visitor Education Center at 614.387.9223 or e-mail courttours@sconet.state.oh.us.