Per the Court's Press Release, the Ohio Supreme Court amended Rules 19 and 19.1 of the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, effective March 1, 2008. For the 1st time, Rule 19 provides a minimum rule for magistrates' years in practice. Specifically, Rule 19 requires that magistrates be engaged in the practice of law for at least 4 years and be in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court at the time of their appointment. Rule 19.1 makes it mandatory for all municipal courts with more than two judges to appoint one or more magistrates to hear specific proceedings. Click here to read the text of the Rule amendments.