The Supreme Court of Ohio visited Defiance County to hear oral arguments before a record-setting crowd and inspire the future generation to become legal professionals during the 85th session of the Supreme Court’s traveling civic education program. A total of 1,836 students from schools throughout Defiance County attended oral arguments.

The Off-Site Court program includes an official session of oral arguments before the Supreme Court and also offers an immersive experience for students to learn more about the judicial branch and state government through collaborations among the justices, Court staff, teachers, and local attorneys.

“Events like today’s Off-Site Court provide students with a firsthand look at the justice system and the vital role that lawyers play in advocating for their communities, resolving disputes, and protecting constitutional rights,” said Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy in an address to students and community members.

Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer established the Off-Site Court program in 1987. This month’s event was the first time the program was held in Defiance County, marking the 76th county in Ohio to host the justices. Students from Defiance High School, Tinora High School, Ayersville High School, Fairview High School, and Hicksville High School were in attendance.

“I hadn’t sat down and really watched a Court session fully,” said Defiance High School senior Abigail Fleming. “What the judges were asking the lawyers is really interesting to see, especially in person.”

As student ambassadors, Fleming and a selection of her peers had the opportunity to greet the justices and join them for a luncheon following oral arguments.

“Being able to meet and shake the hands of the Supreme Court justices was definitely amazing,” said senior Makendryk Coler. “I think it was really cool to see how nice they were. They acted like normal people to us.”

After observing oral arguments, students met with the attorneys who argued each case to share what they saw and to discuss the legal profession. To conclude their experiences, students learned about the legislative branch with State Representative Roy Klopfenstein, who represents a portion of Defiance County, which is part of House District 82.

The Off-Site Court program also addresses Ohio’s rural attorney shortage by exposing students to the importance of legal careers. Defiance County, like most of Ohio’s rural communities, is considered a legal desert and doesn’t have enough attorneys to represent the county’s population.

Chief Justice Kennedy sees the program as a powerful educational tool to address this disparity and hopes it will inspire students to pursue a career in law.

Defiance High School principal Jay Jerger encourages other Ohio school administrators to inquire about hosting the Supreme Court for future sessions of Off-Site Court.

“Embrace it. Don’t be intimidated by their presence,” he said. “It is overwhelming, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for your community, your faculty, your staff, your students. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Archived footage of the Off-Site Court arguments is available courtesy of the Ohio Channel. Carroll County will host the next Off-Site Court session in April 2026.

America is preparing for its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, The Court is celebrating the semiquincentennial with a year-long celebration called “The Story of America" highlighting significant historical events. Beyond digital content, the celebration includes events and displays at the Court. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, enhance civic literacy, and honor key moments in American and Ohio history. supremecourt.ohio.gov/am250