What is the purpose of a pretrial conference in Ohio civil cases?

The purpose of a pretrial conference in Ohio civil cases serves several important functions, with helping the parties reach a settlement being a significant one. This conference provides an opportunity for the parties involved to discuss the case with the judge and one another, facilitating negotiations that may lead to a resolution without the need for a trial. The informal setting encourages open communication, allowing parties to explore potential compromises or settlements.

While it's true that pretrial conferences can also serve to outline the issues for trial and streamline the proceedings, the primary focus often leans towards settlement discussions. This aims to reduce the court's caseload and the parties' litigation expenses, promoting efficiency in the judicial process.

Determining witness credibility and finalizing jury selection are not typically functions of a pretrial conference, as these activities are handled during the trial itself or in separate proceedings.