Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Obama Health Care Law is Destined for the U.S. Supreme Court

In a rather long 78 page opinion, federal district Judge Roger Vinson has ruled that the Obama Health Care plan is unconstitutional. Ohio just recently joined the suit, which the court decided today. Although another judge in Virginia only struck down the part of the law related to mandatory insurance, Judge Vinson's decision is more comprehensive. In all likelihood, the issue will go up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Click here to read the Judge's opinion, and click here to read our prior post on the lawsuit, with a link to many more documents in the case, as well as the laws that precipitated the lawsuit. A good summary of the case has been provided by cleveland.com.

OSBA Gears Up to Certify New Paralegals in 2011

The Ohio State Bar Association is gearing up to certify new Ohio paralegals in 2011. The OSBA website sums up the benefits of becoming certified:

"For lawyers, this credential makes it easier to identify the best qualified paralegal professionals. For clients and the public, it demonstrates that a paralegal has met a uniform standard of professionalism."

Applications are now being accepted at the following website until March 31st: www.ohiobar.org/paralegalcert

 

Local Cleveland Attorney David Mills Wins in U.S. Supreme Court

Congratulations go to local Cleveland attorney David Mills, who just scored a huge win in the U.S. Supreme Court (09-737) in the case of Ortiz v. Jordan, which the Court unanimously decided on January 24, 2011. The Supreme Court's decision reversed the 6th Circuit, which had thrown out a trial court's judgment of $625,000 in favor of Michelle Ortiz on her claim that she was sexually assaulted while in prison.  Allthough the case went to the Supreme Court on a procedural issue, it is a victory for both Mills and his client. According to news reports, Mills is being asked to speak all over the country, and his solo law practice it sure to be booming very soon. In advance of his oral argument, Mills was profiled in the November issue of the ABA journal.

Click here to read the briefs in the case, and click here to listen to the oral arguments in the case.

Ohio Legislative Service Commission Members Only Briefs Provide Good Info.

Last year, the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, a non-partisan agency that serves the Ohio General Assembly, added a few very good Members Only Briefs to its bank of helpful information. 2010 additions include a Brief on Adopting General Assembly and Congressional Districts, an update to A Guide to Legislative History in Ohio, a Brief on Municipal Home Rule, a Q & A on School Calamity Days, and several others.

Cleveland Public Library Launches Downtown Destination Campaign

The Cleveland Public Library (CPL) has lauched a bold new initiative called the Downtown Destination Campaign. CPL plans to spend $12 million to renovate its main branch in the heart of Cleveland, including $1.2 million to to create  "Tech Central," where all of CPL's computers and technology will be re-located to serve patrons. Part of the initiative will include forming an indoor garden and creating “Centers” for family and children’s discovery, sports research, and career connections. CPL hopes to revitalize the library as part of efforts to connect Cleveland venues and spur downtown development.

January 31st is Ohio Supreme Court Filing Deadline for M through Z Lawyers

If your last name begins with the letter M through Z, don't forget to file your CLE transcript form with the Ohio Supreme Court. This report shows your compliance with CLE requirements for the current biennial period. Even if you don't have the requisite hours, the Supreme Court's reminder indicates that you should file anyway, although late or incomplete filers may be subject to late fees and sanctions. Filing can be done by mail or online.

Ohio Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Challenging Federal Health Care Law

Ohio is the one of the latest states to join a multi-state lawsuit pending in Florida which is challenging the new federal health care law. According to the Dayton Daily News, there are 25 states already involved and the decision to add Ohio came the same day the Republican-controlled House in Washington voted to repeal the law. The law is actually composed of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. www.healthcarelawsuit.us is a really good public website where you can keep up-to-date on the case and read documents that have been filed.

Don't Forget to Report Your Pro Bono Hours and Donations to the Ohio Supreme Court

By now, you should have received an email from the Ohio Supreme Court asking you to complete a brief survey on your pro bono efforts and financial donations in 2010. The Court is using surveymonkey to collect the data, and the survey is really easy to complete. You are asked to estimate your hours, indicate what areas of the law for which you provided pro bono service, and provide the amount of your donations to organizations like legal aid. Click here to read more about voluntary reporting from The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice O'Connor Calls for Reform of Probation System

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice O'Connor calls for extensive reform of Ohio's current probation system, which she claims makes things worse for minor offenders. The article also claims that half-way houses and community-based correction claims don't do any good. Hard to believe, but the costs to use these methods is apparently very expensive.

Cuyahoga County DR Court Seeks Input for New Rules Committee

The Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court has created a new Rules committee to review and update its current local rules. The committee is seeking input from lawyers, litigants and other interested parties. The committee requests that comments be sent to the following email address:   drlocalrules@cuyahogacounty.us