Because Durst Kerridge practices heavily in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, often as Ohio local counsel, we closely monitor changes to the Court’s local rules.
SDOH practice is governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court’s Local Civil and Criminal Rules, and the Judges’ Standing Orders.
As explained in this announcement published today, the SDOH has officially adopted certain changes to Local Rule 83.2. Our previous blog post detailed the proposed rule changes.
Key Aspects of Amended Rule 83.2
Non-exempt visitors to the Courthouse are now required to turn off all personal electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) and secure them in locked pouches to be provided by the Court. The devices may remain in the visitor’s possession but must remain in the locked pouch until the visitor exits the Courthouse.
Per an email from the Court to practicing attorneys: “Attorneys are exempt from having to lock up their personal devices (i.e. cell phones, smart watches, etc.) but will need to provide documentation to stationed security officers upon entrance into the Courthouses. Attorneys can show their physical or electronic bar cards, federal employment identification or another form of identification to security officers to satisfy this requirement and retain their personal devices.”
Effective Date
The policy takes effect at each Courthouse on different dates. Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse (Cincinnati): August 14, 2024; Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse (Columbus): August 28, 2024; Dayton Walter H. Rice Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse (Dayton): September 11, 2024.
Attorneys practicing in the Southern District of Ohio should inform clients of the new policy in advance and should allow extra time for security when entering the Courthouse.
About Durst Kerridge
Durst Kerridge is an Ohio and nationwide litigation boutique that practices extensively in the Southern District of Ohio. We are committed to staying at the forefront of new developments in Ohio Courts. To contact Durst Kerridge, call (513) 621-4999 or reach out to Alex J. Durst or Paul R. Kerridge directly.
