On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Supreme Court of Ohio is traveling to Defiance County for oral arguments. The Court’s traveling civic education program is geared to high school students and part of its Off-Site Court program.

The justices will hear three cases, including whether it is constitutional to ban firearms in bars when alcohol is being consumed. The second case is about a traffic stop and canine drug search, and whether the stop was extended too long. The third is a complex case involving a juvenile accused of serious crimes including car jackings, and whether the teen can challenge an adult-court conviction by raising issues from juvenile court.

For the first time, the Ohio Justice Bus will be joining the Supreme Court at Off-Site Court. The Bus brings volunteer attorneys and technology to low-income and rural Ohioans through brief advice legal clinics across the state, helping to bridge the access gap and digital divide. Students who attend off-site court will have the opportunity to tour the Bus throughout the day with a smaller group selected to observe a planned legal clinic.

This visit to Defiance marks the 76th of Ohio’s 88 counties to host the Supreme Court. It is part of a tradition that dates back to the 1800s when justices would “ride the circuit” on horseback to hear cases around the state.

Oral arguments will be held at Defiance High School, one of five participating high schools including Ayersville, Fairview, Hicksville, and Tinora. Defiance County Common Pleas Court judges Joseph Schmenk and Jeffrey Strausbaugh are co-hosting the event. In preparation for the visit, students get detailed case summaries written by Court staff. Local attorneys visit classrooms to help explain the legal issues and how Ohio’s court system works. Teachers use these materials to help students dive deep into the legal process and understand what's at stake in each case.

It’s an up-close look at the judicial branch in action — and an opportunity to bring civics to life for the next generation.

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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