Ohio
How Davis v. City of Baltimore applies in Ohio: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Property.
Ohio courts generally follow the principles established in Davis v. City of Baltimore regarding the public's right to access information. However, the Ohio Constitution places a stronger emphasis on the transparency of public entities, which can influence the application of record access laws.
Under Ohio law, public access to property records is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which sets forth the public's right to inspect public records and the exceptions thereto.
The Ohio Supreme Court held that public records must be made available unless an exception applies, reinforcing the principle of transparency.
The court ruled that the public has a right to access police records, emphasizing that exceptions must be narrowly construed.
The court found that certain records related to the operations of a public university are accessible unless specifically exempted by statute.
Ohio's approach to public access and transparency in property law is generally aligned with federal principles, particularly those under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). However, Ohio provides additional protections for public access, reflecting a state policy favoring citizen engagement with governmental operations.
Understanding the principles from Davis v. City of Baltimore is crucial for the Ohio bar exam, particularly in sections dealing with property law and public records.