Nebraska Court Types

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all types of cases but usually handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.

Criminal cases heard by District Courts include felonies and lesser-included offenses.

Civil cases heard by District Courts include general civil claims for more than $51,000. The financial limit on civil case jurisdiction is reviewed every fifth year and may vary over time.

District Courts also hear most domestic relations cases and appeals from administrative agency decisions. District Courts share some jurisdiction over certain types of domestic relations cases with County Courts.

County Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases, including probate, juvenile, domestic relations and general civil claims.

Criminal cases heard by County Courts include misdemeanors, infractions and most violations of city and village ordinances.

Civil cases heard by County Courts include general civil claims for less than $51,000. The financial limit on civil case jurisdiction is reviewed every fifth year and may vary over time. Each County Court has a Small Claims division for most general civil claims withing certain financial limits.

County Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over most probate matters, most adoptions, and all juvenile matters if a separate Juvenile Court does not exist in the area. County Courts share jurisdiction with District Courts for certain types of cases, including some domestic relations cases.

Juvenile Court have jurisdiction over all juvenile matters and may handle some domestic relations cases that concern the care, custody or support for minor children.

In counties without Juvenile Courts, juvenile matters are heard by a County Court.

Nebraska currently has three separate Juvenile Courts.

The Workers' Compensation Court has statewide jurisdiction over cases related to workplace accidents and illnesses.

Workers Compensation Court judges travel throughout the State to handle claims made under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act.

Nebraska is in the process of adding divisions to existing courts for certain types of criminal and juvenile cases to focus on substance abuse rehabilitation.

Nebraska currently has Problem-Solving Court divisions in most districts, including Adult Drug Courts, Family Drug Courts, a Young Adult Drug Court, and Juvenile Drug Courts.