I hear all the time: "How do some cases end up in the Ohio Supreme Court or even the U.S. Supreme Court so quickly, when most seem to crawl through the system?"

I’ll walk you through the usual process of appeals and then show you how certain hot-topic cases—like challenges to executive orders or big government actions—can take a legal shortcut.

I’ll explain how declaratory judgment actions and emergency appeals can move these issues straight to the top of the judicial ladder, sometimes almost overnight. If you’ve ever wondered why some court battles make the news so fast, or how the legal system decides what’s urgent, this episode is for you.

Moments

00:00 Rapid Court Responses Explained

03:52 Expedited Court Process Explained

Key Takeaways:

Fast-Track for Emergencies: Urgent or constitutionally significant cases (like challenges to executive orders or funding disputes) often get "fast tracked" to the Supreme Court via declaratory judgment actions and requests for immediate injunctions.

Not Always About the Merits: Many times, the Supreme Court is ruling not on the actual underlying legal issue, but on procedural matters—like whether or not to grant a temporary restraining order, based on criteria like irreparable harm and likelihood of success.

Emergency Appeals = Expedited Review: If a district or trial court issues (or declines to issue) an injunction, either party can seek an "emergency" or expedited appeal—helping cases bypass the usual, lengthy appellate process and land in front of the Supreme Court quickly.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law