Bold Recusal Request to Ohio’s Top Court Called a Delay Tactic

A recusal request and a motion for reconsideration asking the Ohio Supreme Court’s chief justice to leave a landmark tort damages case appears to be a futile strategy to wait out her retirement in hopes of a friendlier judge.

The dual-pronged attack on a $134 million verdict came four days before Maureen O’Connor (R), the outgoing chief and moderate who sided with the Democrats in the case, is leaving the court.

The defendant in the case also asked for up to five other justices to recuse themselves. If he got his wish, one justice—a justice that favors capping all damages ...