Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Our Law Library Dedicated a New Little Free Library in Cleveland Yesterday

Our Law Library, the Cleveland Law Library, dedicated a brand new Little Free Library yesterday at Smarty Pants Learning Center in downtown Cleveland. This initiative was a joint venture with the Cleveland Public Library. We had a great time reading with the children on Read Across America Day 2017, which was also the birthday of Dr. Seuss! Here are some pictures of the event.

Look for the Cleveland Public Library "Book Bike" This Summer

The Cleveland Public Library is adding to its community outreach efforts with a "Book Bike" this summer. According to Scene, the "Book Bike" will be a "traveling library, complete with a checkout station, WiFi access, and a display for informational materials." According to CPL, the "Book Bike" will allow patrons to "check out books, sign up for library cards, and look up books in the catalog." This Summer, the "Book Bike" will join Cleveland Public Library's Book Box at Wade Oval Wednesdays and make appearances at local festivals and parades. For more information, read the Cleveland Public Library's press release.

Ohio 8th District Court of Appeals Holds That Cleveland's Automated Traffic Camera System is Unconstitutional

In Jodka v. City of Cleveland, et al., Case No. 99951, the Ohio 8th District Court of Appeals held that Cleveland's automated traffic camera system contained in Cleveland Codified Ordinance 413.031 is unconstitutional under Ohio Constitution Article IV, Section 1 because it usurps a judicial function. Specifically, Judge Kenneth Rocco, who wrote the opinion, stated that: "This court agrees ... that the power to adjudicate civil violations of moving traffic laws lies solely in municipal court" under O.R.C. sec. 1901.20. Although Jodka prevailed, he did not get his fine back from Cleveland's parking Violations Bureau.

It is Not Too Late to Donate Books to "A Book of Your Own"

It is not too late to contribute to "A Book of Your Own."  The Law Library is helping the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association with its spring book drive to collect new and gently-used books to give Cleveland elementary school students "a book of their own" to take home and enjoy this summer.  Don't miss the chance to give local, deserving children the gift of reading! Donations can be dropped off at the Law Library through Friday, April 26th. 

Cleveland Municipal Court's Veterans Treatment Docket Graduates 1st Class

On January 15th, the Cleveland Municipal Court graduated its first class of veterans, who successfully completed the Court's Veterans Treatment Docket program. According to the Court's web site, this program, which was created in 2011, has the following focus:

"In recognition that many veterans return to civilian life with significant physical and mental trauma, which may contribute to their involvement with the criminal justice system, the court takes the responsibility for ensuring that veterans receive the treatment they need. By providing a specialized docket, our focus is to increase the veteran’s chance of success."

The program offers veterans who are facing misdemeanor offenses the chance to avoid jail through diversion to government and community support services, including treatment and mentoring.

At the graduation ceremony, Judge Charles Patton, Jr., who presides over the Docket, stated that:

"It's our duty as fellow countrymen to take care of each other."

Click here for a Plain Dealer article containing more information about the graduation ceremony.

Wearing an "Idiot" Sign is "Punishment for Cleveland Woman Who Drove on Sidewalk to Pass a School Bus Full of Children

The Cleveland Municipal Court has issued a creative sentence for a woman who drove onto a sidewalk in order to pass a school bus full of children-she will have to wear an "idiot" sign.  ABC news reports that the woman, who the bus driver caught on video, will have to wear a sign that says "Only an idiot drives on the sidewalk to avoid a school bus" next Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the intersection of East 38th and Payne in Cleveland. The sign has to be on white poster board with capital letters in black marker. This situation makes me think of Bill Engvall and "Here's Your Sign."

Some Cleveland Law Firms Are Bucking the Nationwide Hiring Freeze

Cleveland lawyers and law graduates have had it tough the last few years, just as have lawyers throughout the country. However, the Cleveland Plain Dealer just reported that some local law firms are bucking the nationwide trend. According to cleveland.com:

"Cleveland-based Tucker Ellis has brought on 21 lawyers this year, 16 of them at its downtown Cleveland office.Thompson Hine added eight attorneys at its Cleveland headquarters and 16 firmwide in the past year. Walter & Haverfield grew 20 percent in the first nine months of 2012, adding seven partners and five associates since January...The Cleveland office of Jones Day reports a net gain of 17 lawyers since January, bringing the total to 227."

In contrast, the article indicates that the numbers at the local offices of Calfee Halter and Benesch Friedlander are down.  Reductions like these firms have experienced, or flat hiring freezes, seem to be the local norm.

Cleveland Public Library Opens a BookBox at the Ohio City Market Square Park

Always on the cutting edge of library science, the Cleveland Public Library has launched another local initiative called the BookBox. Located in Ohio City across the Street from the West Side Market, the portable BookBox will allow Saturday morning patrons at the Market Square Park to check out books on "food, cooking, gardening, art, and urban agriculture." Read CPL's Press Release for more information on the BookBox, and click here for a picture of the BookBox.

Cleveland Municipal Ordinances Have Been Updated through October 4, 2011

The Cleveland Municipal Ordinances were just updated through October 4, 2011. A link to the ordinances can be found on the Cleveland City Council page, but they are provided on the web by American Legal Publising Corporation. Current changes to the City ordinances can always be found in the City Record.

Cleveland Municipal Court Creates Veterans Treatment Docket

Joining Mansfield and Youngstown (see our prior post), the Cleveland Municipal Court has created its own Veterans Treatment Docket. According to the Ohio Supreme Court's press release, this new docket is "designed to address the special needs of veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and National Guard, who become involved with the criminal justice system in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County...The Veterans Treatment Docket brings together all parties that assist honorably discharged veterans with their substance abuse, mental health, housing, employment, education and health issues." The Court plans to partner with the Veterans Service Commission and the Veterans Administration to get vets the help they need.