Steven E. Martin,  Judge

340 Hamilton County Courthouse

1000 Main Street

Cincinnati, OH  45202

• Bailiff            (513)946-5790 - Criminal Case Matters
• Constable      (513)946-5791 - Civil Case Matters
• Fax Number    (513)946-5792

Attorneys should drop motions off in the courtroom. At that time, I will set a hearing date. I generally allow hearings on motions whenever requested by one or more of the attorneys. We do motions any day of the week at the convenience of the parties.

I am active in the settlement of civil and criminal cases.

Attorneys requesting a continuance should file a motion. I will conduct a hearing and make a decision.

The rules concerning pretrial statements are in the local rules of civil procedure. The attorneys who will try the case need to attend the pretrial along with their clients. Pretrials are held in every civil case.

Special jury instructions are welcome before or during trial. Trial briefs are also welcome prior to trial. I allow the attorneys to conduct whatever voir dire they deem appropriate. Expert witnesses are required to submit a written report by a deadline set forth in the scheduling order.

Exhibits are not permitted in opening statements except when the attorneys agree. Video depositions are welcome.

Jurors are not permitted to take notes. Attorneys can talk to juror after cases if the jurors agree.

Discovery must generally be completed by the pretrial. Expert report deadlines are in the scheduling order.