The new Franklin County Courthouse, scheduled for completion in 2010, will be the first LEED-certified building in the State of Ohio. Click here to learn more.The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is a stong supporter of Green initiatives. Click here to learn more.

Visiting Judges

Purpose

The Visiting Judge (VJ) Program for the Court of Common Pleas provides coverage for cases in those instances when the Assigned Judge is unable to hear a case that is ready to proceed to trial, or requires coverage due to an extended leave of absence.

General Guidelines

  • The VJ will hear only civil trials, as approved by the Administrative Judge.
  • The order of case assignment to the VJ(s) will be on a 1st come 1st serve basis, unless a case has been assigned in advance.
  • Trials must go forward immediately, upon assignment to the Visiting Judge.
  • Oral arguments and decisions on pending civil motions (summary judgment, motion in limine, discovery matters, etc.) can be heard by a VJ.
  • No request for a continuance is to be granted by the VJ without the approval of the Assigned Judge.
  • Any exceptions to these guidelines must be specifically approved by the Administrative Judge.
Contact information for the Visiting Judge Program

Jury Manager
Phone (614) 525-4182

Visiting Judges

The following list of Visiting Judges are approved to serve in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court - General Division. Please note attorneys are not permitted to request a specific Visiting Judge. Case assignment is made by the Court.

Honorable Dale A. Crawford

  • Retired Judge from The Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio (1982 - 2006)
  • Municipal Court Judge, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio (1979 - 1982)
  • The Ohio and National Judicial College Speaker
  • Arbitrator and Mediator

Honorable Nodine Miller

  • Retired Judge from The Court of Common Pleas General Division, Franklin County, Ohio (1995 - 2005)
  • Municipal Court Judge, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio (1992 - 1995)

Honorable Alan C. Travis

  • Retired Judge, Court of Appeals, Tenth Appellate District (2005-2007)
  • Retired Judge, Court of Common Pleas, General Division, Franklin County, Ohio (1992-2005)
  • Chief Counsel, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (1974-1992)
  • Private Practice of law (1968-1974)
  • Assistant Attorney General of Ohio (1965-1968)

Honorable John P. Bessey