2013 Ohio 4379
Ohio Ct. App.2013Background
- Ford filed two postconviction-relief petitions March 20, 2013 in Cuyahoga C.P. Nos. CR-464709 and CR-469583; Judge McClelland denied March 26, 2013.
- Judgments denying relief were signed but did not include Civ.R. 58(B) directive to serve notice on all parties.
- Ford filed a May 7, 2013 motion for proper notice; motion remains pending.
- This is a civil-postconviction proceeding; Civ.R. 58(B) applies to judgments in such matters.
- Court held Ford has a right to notice under Civ.R. 58(B) and that deficient service affects appellate timing.
- The court ultimately dismissed the complaint for mandamus, directing service of notice on the judgment.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether mandamus is proper to compel Civ.R.58(B) notice in postconviction rulings | Ford argues McClelland must endorse a Civ.R.58(B) notice direction | McClelland argues no mandamus; remedy available via pending notice motion | No mandamus; adequate remedy exists; dismiss with notice directive to clerk |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Nichols, 11 Ohio St.3d 40 (1984) (Civ.R.58 applies to postconviction judgments)
- State v. Tucker, 2011-Ohio-4092 (8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 95556) (Civ.R.58 notice flow and appeal timing rules)
- Whitehall ex rel. Fennessy v. Bambi Motel, 131 Ohio App.3d 734 (10th Dist.1998) (Civ.R.58 notice requirements apply to timely appeals)
- Atkinson v. Grumman Ohio Corp., 37 Ohio St.3d 80 (1988) (Due process protects appellate rights; Civ.R.58 preserves rights)
- State ex rel. Eshleman v. Fornshell, 125 Ohio St.3d 1 (2010-Ohio-1175) ( mandamus standards for civil-relief actions)
- State ex rel. Waters v. Spaeth, 131 Ohio St.3d 55 (2012-Ohio-69) (clear and convincing standard for mandamus)
- State ex rel. Jones v. Ansted, 131 Ohio St.3d 125 (2012-Ohio-109) (adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law)
- State ex rel. Cunningham v. Lindeman, 126 Ohio St.3d 481 (2010-Ohio-4388) (adequate remedy exists; Civ.R.58(B) oversight can be addressed in regular channels)