Ohio Mock Trial Rules

Key Differences from Federal Rules of Evidence

• Ohio follows the Daubert standard for expert testimony under Ohio R. Evid. 702 as confirmed in Miller v. Bike Athletic Co. (1998)
• Ohio R. Evid. 101(C) defines certain rules as applicable only in criminal cases (e.g., Rule 404 notice requirements), creating a split procedure between civil and criminal trials
• Ohio R. Evid. 616 codifies bias impeachment as a separate rule, unlike the FRE which treats it as part of Rules 607-613

Notable Rules

Key Features

• Ohio Court of Common Pleas serves as the general trial court in each of Ohio's 88 counties
• Ohio uses a notice-pleading system with liberal amendment rules under Ohio Civ. R. 15
• Attorney-conducted voir dire is the standard practice; courts set time limits but allow broad questioning

• Civil juries consist of 8 jurors; verdict requires agreement of three-fourths (6 of 8)
• Criminal felony juries require 12 jurors with unanimous verdict
• Minor misdemeanor cases in municipal or county courts may be tried with fewer jurors