OFFICE OF CLERK OF COURTS

In creating a state judicial system in the 1802 Ohio State Constitution provided for the appointment of a clerk of courts for each county.  Originally, the clerk of courts was appointed by the judges of the court of common pleas for a seven-year term.  Under the 1851 Constitution, the office became elective for a three-year term which was extended to four years in 1936.

The official title is Clerk of the Courts of Common Pleas, but most often the office holder is referred to as the Clerk of Courts.  The clerk of courts maintains the records of the court of common pleas and various courts which have exercised appellate jurisdiction on the county level.  The records of the common pleas court pertain to all civil cases in which the amount or matter in dispute exceeds the statutory jurisdiction of county or municipal courts, and all felony criminal cases.  This court also maintains the records of all domestic relations matter.

Since 1921, the clerk of courts has also operated the auto title office, which determines motor vehicle ownership.  Computerized certificate of titles are issued to individuals and businesses who purchase cars, trucks, boats, mobile homes, ATV’s, motorcycles, RVs, jet skis, etc.