Alabama
From Judgepedia
Alabama's court system is divided into three levels of jurisdiction. The appeals courts preside over appeals of decisions made by the lower courts. The general courts have jurisdiction over most legal matters in Alabama, and can be appealed to from the lower courts. The limited courts operate at the county and city level.
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Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction
The appellate level of jurisdiction includes the:
The Supreme Court is Alabama's highest court and has the authority to review the decisions reached by the lower courts. The Supreme Court is also authorized to review matters of contention where the dollar amount in question exceeds $50,000 (if no other Alabama court has jurisdiction).
This court considers civil matters, including those related to domestic situations such as divorce, adoptions, child custody, etc. They will rule on cases appealed from certain state administrative agencies, such as worker's compensation. The Court of Civil Appeals also has jurisdiction in civil appeals where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000.
The Court of Criminal Appeals considers appeals from felony and misdemeanor trials/convictions.[1]
Courts of General Jurisdiction
There are 67 counties in Alabama, each of which houses a Circuit Court. These courts are where the majority of legal matters in Alabama can be addressed. The Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over all felony prosecutions and in proceedings where the disputed amount is more than $10,000. They may also exercise jurisdiction in juvenile courts, in proceedings where the disputed amount is more than $3,000, and in certain appeals from lower courts.
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
The limited jurisdiction courts in Alabama oversee such matters as probate, juvenile justice, small claims court, municipal court and district courts. "Alabama's 67 counties are divided into 41 separate judicial circuits. While some of Alabama's judicial circuits may consist of more than one county, courts of limited jurisdiction are found in each county." [2]
- Municipal Court
Municipal courts preside over cases involving municipal violations and criminal misdemeanors that fall within a city's police jurisdiction. Most Alabama cities have a municipal court.
Each county has one of the following:
- Probate Courts
Probate courts deal with estate issues like wills, real property, adoption and so on.
- Juvenile Courts
Juvenile courts have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases where parties involved are under the age of 18. Alone among Alabama court systems, the juvenile court proceedings are considered confidential.
- Small Claims Court
Small claims court is where cases concerning matters of less than $3,000 are taken.
- District Court
District courts handle the cases where the dollar amount in question is more than $3,000 (small claims) but less than $10,000 (circuit court). District courts also have jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors and preliminary hearings in felony prosecutions.
See Also
- Alabama Supreme Court elections
- Judicial selection in Alabama
- Alabama judges in the news
- Alabama blogs
References
- ↑ Alabama's Court System State Bar brochure
- ↑ Alabama's Court System Courts of Limited Jurisdiction section
