Courts in Mississippi
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Courts in Mississippi are made up of the state court system and two federal courts.
Appellate Courts
The Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Mississippi. The nine justices that serve are elected from three districts. It hears appeals from lower courts, but also has original jurisdiction for a number of reasons. [1]
The Court of Appeals was created in 1995 and serves as an error correction court. "It hears and decides appeals on issues in which the law is already settled, but the facts are in dispute." Ten judges are elected from five districts. [1]
Trial Courts
These courts hear criminal and civil lawsuits. There are 22 districts and 51 judges serving them. [1]
Trials in these courts normally occur without a jury, but are heard by a judge. There are 48 judges of the Chancery Courts serving 20 districts. [1]
These courts handle eminent domain and juvenile matters. Not all counties have a court, but in those that do the judge serves as the Youth Court judge too. There are 20 County Courts in the state serving 29 districts. [1]
Justice courts handle small claims civil cases. 197 judges serve on 82 Justice Courts. These judges are elected in partisan elections. [1]
In counties with County Courts, those judges serve as Youth Court judges. In the other counties, a Chancery Court judge either hears Youth Court cases or appoints a referee to do so. [1]
These courts hear municipal claims. There are 226 courts and the terms of service are dictated by individual municipalities. [1]
Federal courts
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi
These federal courts are part of the Fifth Circuit.
See also
References
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