Snyder v. Old World Classics, L.L.C., 2025 Ohio 1875

Matthew and Katherine Snyder entered into a home-construction contract with Old World Classics, L.L.C. containing a binding arbitration clause for dispute resolution.
A dispute arose, leading the Snyders to file a lawsuit in Medina County alleging fraud and breach of contract among other claims.
Old World moved to stay litigation and compel arbitration as per the agreement’s arbitration clause.
The trial court granted Old World’s motion without conducting an oral hearing.
The Snyders appealed, and the Ninth District Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s order solely on the basis that an oral hearing was not held, remanding for such hearing without addressing the merits of the arbitration clause's validity.
Old World challenged this reversal to the Ohio Supreme Court, which consolidated the case with another on the question of whether Ohio law requires an oral hearing on motions to compel arbitration.

Issue	Snyder's Argument	Old World's Argument	Held
Must trial court hold oral hearing before compelling arbitration?	The lack of an oral hearing was error (on appeal court's initiative; not argued by Snyder)	No hearing was necessary since parties did not request one	Court of appeals erred; party-presentation principle violated—no oral hearing required unless requested
Can the arbitration clause be challenged for fraudulent inducement?	Arbitration clause is void due to fraudulent inducement	Arbitration clause is enforceable	Remanded to address whether clause is void for fraudulent inducement
Did appellate court exceed its role under party-presentation principle?	—	—	Yes; appellate court should not decide on non-raised grounds
Existence of conflict on oral hearing requirement under R.C. 2711.03	—	—	Conflict question becomes moot by court's vacatur and remand

Greenlaw v. United States, 554 U.S. 237 (2008) (establishes the party-presentation principle—courts should decide cases based on issues framed by the parties)