Ohio magistrates are required by Gov. Bar R. X to complete and report 24 hours of accredited CLE activities every two years. Those attending the 2012 Ohio Association of Magistrates fall conference had the opportunity to fulfill more than half that obligation in three short days.

Materials for the conference describe it as an opportunity for much more as well. The annual event is seen as a forum for building fraternity among Ohio's non-elected judicial officers and advancing the professionalism of magistrates. The fall conference also includes a community service volunteer opportunity for attendees, who donated time and resources this year to support the Worthington Food Pantry & Resource Center.

More than 200 magistrates from around the state attended the conference, which ran from October 3 through 5 in Columbus. The agenda included more than 25 sessions on topics relevant to both trial and appellate courts, including recent rule amendments, legislative changes affecting the judiciary, military and veteran issues, ethics, and substance abuse. Faculty for the event included many representatives of Ohio courts, including three Supreme Court justices:

-Justice Robert R. Cupp spoke on the nobility of upholding the Constitution and rule of law in judicial decisions, and the important role judges and magistrates play in U.S. society

-Justice Terrence O'Donnell gave a presentation on the court's Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program

-Justice Yvette McGee Brown gave the annual report on the judiciary

Ohio Supreme Court Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon also spoke, giving an update on Ohio courts.