Oklahoma Court Types

District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, but typically handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.

Each District Court has a Small Claims division that handles most general civil claims for less than $6000, exclusive of attorney fees and costs. The Small Claims Court handle most cases seeking money damages based on a contract or tort, the return of personal property valued at less than $6000, and interpleader when less than $6000 is in dispute. Certain types of parties, including collection agents, and certain types of claims against a city, county or state agency may not be heard in Small Claims Court.

District Courts may have specialized divisions for certain types of cases, including Business Court and Drug Courts. In counties with large populations, a Business Court division may exist to handle complex commercial cases. District Courts may have a Drug Court division and/or a Juvenile Drug Court division to handle some non-violent criminal cases where the defendant has a treatable condition or addiction.

The Court of Tax Review is a specialized panel that operates out of one office location and handles certain types of civil cases for the entire state.

District Courts have jurisdiction previously exercised by abolished Oklahoma courts as well as the civil jurisdiction formerly granted to Municipal Courts. Municipal Courts continue to exist in some cities and towns in Oklahoma, but Municipal Courts only handle certain types of criminal and traffic cases.

Municipal Courts handle most criminal and traffic cases based on violations of municipal ordinances, and some Municipal Courts also handle misdemeanor criminal cases.

There are two types of Municipal Courts, referred to as either "of record" or "not of record." Cases typically heard by Municipal Courts 'of record' include most violations of parking, traffic, criminal and environmental ordinances and some misdemeanor criminal cases. Cases heard by Municipal Courts 'not of record' are limited to violations of municipal ordinances.

The Workers' Compensation Court has limited jurisdiction over claims made pursuant to the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act, including claims for compensation, the liability of employers and insurers, and any rights asserted under the Act.

The Court of Tax Review is a panel of District Court with limited and exclusive jurisdiction over certain cases related to ad valorem taxation.

The Court of Tax Review handles cases for the entire state from one office location.

The Court on the Judiciary has a trial division with limited and exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings against judges for their removal or compulsory retirement from office.