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Mississippi Circuit Courts Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases, mostly handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.
Criminal cases heard by Circuit Courts include felonies and lesser-included offenses.
Civil cases heard by Circuit Courts include general civil claims for more than $200,000 and certain matters related to real estate. In addition, Circuit Courts share jurisdiction with Chancery Courts over certain types of cases.Mississippi Chancery Courts Chancery Courts have limited jurisdiction to hear certain types of cases, including equity, domestic relations, probate matters, juvenile matters, mental health, guardianship and some matters relating to real estate. A Chancery Court may have a Youth Court division for certain juvenile matters.
Cases generally heard by Chancery Courts include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, alimony, the probate of wills, the administration of estates and involuntary commitment.
Chancery Courts share some jurisdiction over certain types of cases with Circuit Courts.Mississippi County Courts County Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases. County Courts share jurisdiction with Justice Courts for civil and criminal cases within Justice Court jurisdiction, including petty misdemeanors.
County Courts handle most general civil claims for less than $200,000, exclusive of costs and interest. County Courts can hear counterclaims for more than $200,000, unless all parties agree to transfer the case to Circuit Court.
County Courts also have jurisdiction over cases involving eminent domain, the partition of personal property and some actions for unlawful entry and detainer.Mississippi Municipal Courts Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of criminal cases.
Criminal cases heard by Municipal Courts include misdemeanor criminal cases and municipal ordinance violations, including traffic offenses.Mississippi Justice Courts Justice Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.
Criminal cases heard by Justice Courts include criminal offenses punishable by a fine or time in county jail and petty misdemeanors. Justice Courts share criminal jurisdiction with Circuit Courts and County Courts, and some Justice Courts may exercise exclusive jurisdiction over petty misdemeanor cases.
Civil cases heard by Justice Courts include most general civil claims for less than $2,500. Justice Courts share civil jurisdiction with County Courts.
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