The Ohio Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in 11 cases next week, many of them raising big questions about fairness in criminal trials, access to DNA testing, arbitration rights, and government inspections of private property.

Here’s a look at several of the cases drawing attention.

Can Defendants Recall Expert Witnesses?

In one case tied to an Akron murder conviction, the court will consider whether criminal defendants automatically have the right to recall expert witnesses during the final phase of a trial.

The defendant argued she was not guilty by reason of insanity. During rebuttal, prosecutors introduced new expert testimony challenging how her defense experts reached their conclusions. When the defense asked to bring those experts back to respond, the trial judge said no.

An appeals court later overturned the conviction, finding that blocking the testimony hurt the woman’s ability to fully present her defense. Prosecutors say trial judges should have discretion over whether sur-rebuttal testimony is allowed and argue the denial didn’t affect the outcome.

How Much Explanation Is Required for DNA Testing Requests?

Another case involves a Cuyahoga County man convicted in a 2015 Cleveland bar shooting who is seeking additional DNA testing years after his trial.

He wants shell casings from the crime scene tested, arguing the results could support his claim of innocence. The trial court denied the request, but an appeals court said the judge didn’t explain the decision well enough.

Now, the Supreme Court must decide whether courts are required to give detailed reasoning when they approve or deny post-conviction DNA testing applications.

Can Arbitration Orders Be Appealed?

In a civil case involving a vehicle purchase, the justices will consider whether consumers can appeal a court order forcing a dispute into arbitration.

The buyers argue Ohio law gives them the right to appeal. The lender counters that the contract falls under federal arbitration law, which generally blocks appeals once arbitration is ordered.

The ruling could affect how quickly arbitration decisions become final in Ohio courts.

Do Cities Need Probable Cause to Inspect Rentals?

The court will also hear a challenge from a North Canton rental property owner who argues the city violated constitutional protections by inspecting a six-unit building without evidence of wrongdoing.

The city says rental inspections are meant to protect health and safety and that warrants for those inspections don’t require the same level of suspicion as criminal searches.

The case could shape how far local governments can go when enforcing housing codes.

More detailed previews of each case are available through the court’s public information office. With criminal justice rights, housing rules, and consumer protections all on the docket, the outcomes could have wide-ranging impacts across Ohio.

Arguments run Jan. 6-8, beginning at 9 a.m. each day, and can be watched live or on demand through the Ohio Channel and the court’s website.