Ohio Supreme Court rule amendments

The Ohio Supreme Court adopted two rule amendments yesterday, both of which become effective April 1, 2011.

The first will allow suspended attorneys, in limited circumstances, to apply for reinstatement while still being subject to probation or other post-conviction sanctions. (See Court's announcement here or full text of amendment here).

The second establishes a recusal process when questions arise about the impartiality of a Justice in a case. Rule 14.6 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio will allow a party to a case to request the recusal of a Justice, or an appeals court judge sitting by assignment on the Supreme Court, and/or enable a Justice to self disclose if he/she believes there might be a potential basis for disqualification. ( Court's announcement and text of new rule )