OPIF
Online Public Inspection File
Dear Ohioan,
I am pleased to present this tool to help the legal community, consumers and
suppliers stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under Ohio
consumer laws. The searchable Public Inspection File that contains decisions from Ohio courts
establishing those acts or practices deemed to violate Ohio's consumer
protection laws. We have placed this system online so the legal community,
consumers and suppliers can stay abreast of the most recent developments in
Ohio consumer law.
While the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345)
prohibits unfair, deceptive or unconscionable acts by suppliers, the statute
does not identify every prohibited practice. Such determinations are often left
to the courts.
The CSPA allows for enhanced damages to be assessed against a supplier for a
violation that has been previously addressed in an administrative rule or by
any Ohio court if the Attorney General's Office has that decision available in
its Public Inspection File. In such a case, a consumer may recover three times
the amount of actual damages or $200, whichever is greater.
By using OPIF, the legal community, consumers and suppliers can submit inquiries
that will lead them to the relevant legal holdings. By using OPIF, the legal
community, consumers and suppliers can ensure that consumer transactions meet
the requirements of Ohio law. I hope you find this site useful.