The Supreme Court of Ohio convened in Carroll County on April 15 for the 86th session of Off-Site Court, a traveling civic education program for high school students. Nearly a thousand students from four high schools attended the special session of Supreme Court oral arguments at Carrollton High School.

“This is such an educational experience that you get to learn something and fully grasp the idea of it. Not just through explanations in school, but you actually get to see it happening,” said Carrollton High School sophomore Kaitlyn Adey. “Not everyone gets to see a court proceeding at this high level.”

Arguments were heard in three cases:
State v. McClain: A man was convicted of rape after a DNA match was made a decade after the assault was reported. His conviction was based on the victim’s substantial impairment. The Court reviewed whether the prosecutor proved that the man knew that the victim was substantially impaired.

State v. Lebron-Novas: State troopers pulled over a car for driving too closely to a commercial truck and, during a subsequent search, found illegal drugs. The driver challenged the legality of the search, pointing to inconsistencies between a trooper’s testimony and the dash-cam video.  

State v. Barton: During a traffic stop, a driver declined to allow police to search her vehicle. While the police had their dog sniff around the exterior of the car, the dog jumped up and sniffed inside the driver’s side window. The dog responded, indicating the presence of contraband. The driver argued the search was illegal because the dog trespassed into her car.

In addition to bringing an official session of oral arguments directly to Ohio communities, the Off-Site Court Program 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.

Judge Michael V. Repella II and Judge Sean R.H. Smith of Carroll County Common Pleas Court served as the judicial hosts of the program.

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 Carroll County, marking the 77th county in Ohio to host the justices. Students from Carrollton High School, Minerva High School, Malvern High School, and Conotton Valley High School were in attendance.

Archived footage of the Off-Site Court arguments is available courtesy of the Ohio Channel. Auglaize County will host the next Off-Site Court session in the spring of 2027.

As America is preparing for its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, the Supreme Court is celebrating the semiquincentennial with a yearlong 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.