State ex rel. Newsome v. Hack (Slip Opinion), 2020 Ohio 336

Relator Jeffrey Newsome, an inmate, sought a copy of his 2009 sentencing transcript.
In May–June 2017 Newsome’s nephew attempted to purchase the transcript but was told the digital recording could not be located.
The trial court issued a December 14, 2017 order stating a transcript exists and is available from Court Reporter Karla Hack upon payment of transcript fees.
Newsome filed an original action for a writ of mandamus in the Ohio Supreme Court in March 2019; the court issued an alternative writ in June 2019.
Newsome later learned Hack had retired; he moved to add the Marion County Court Reporter’s Office and the current court reporter as respondents.
The Supreme Court granted Newsome’s motion to add parties and issued a writ ordering the Marion County Court Reporter’s Office and the current court reporter to inform Newsome of the transcript fee.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Does Newsome have a clear legal right to purchase a copy of his sentencing transcript?	Newsome: transcript exists and he may purchase a copy.	No responsive brief filed; trial court found transcript exists.	Yes — transcript exists and Newsome has a clear right to purchase it.
Does the court reporter have a clear duty to inform Newsome of the transcript fee and to provide the transcript?	Newsome: court reporter must provide fee and copy per R.C. 2301.23–.24.	No answer; reporter retired and successor not identified initially.	Yes — current reporter must locate the transcript and inform Newsome of the fee.
Does Newsome lack an adequate remedy in the ordinary course of the law?	Newsome: trial court order compelled production but appeal is not available to vindicate his right.	Not asserted.	Yes — mandamus appropriate because appeal cannot provide the requested relief.
May the court add the reporter’s office and the current reporter as respondents?	Newsome: Hack retired; new reporter/office must be added to effectuate relief.	Not opposed.	Yes — court added the Marion County Court Reporter’s Office and the current court reporter so the writ can be executed.

State ex rel. Waters v. Spaeth, 131 Ohio St.3d 55 (Ohio 2012) (three-part mandamus standard: clear right, clear duty, inadequate remedy)
State ex rel. Slagle v. Rogers, 103 Ohio St.3d 89 (Ohio 2004) (R.C. 149.43 superseded by R.C. 2301.24 for party requests; reporter fees governed by R.C. 2301.24)
State ex rel. Gabriel v. Youngstown, 75 Ohio St.3d 618 (Ohio 1996) (appeal lies only for parties aggrieved by final order; appeals do not settle abstract questions)
Ohio Contract Carriers Assn. v. Pub. Util. Comm., 140 Ohio St. 160 (Ohio) (appeals to correct injurious error; appeal limits explained)