What is the Circuit Court?

The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction consisting of one Judge elected to a six-year term and two magistrates appointed by the Judge.  The Court has the authority to hear civil and criminal cases.  In practice, the Circuit Court hears almost exclusively civil disputes ranging from contract, personal injury, collection, divorce, child support, estates, protective orders, injunctions, and administrative appeals.  By local rule, the criminal jurisdiction of the Circuit Court is limited to criminal nonsupport and welfare fraud.  The Circuit Court also conducts all Grand Jury proceedings.

The Circuit Court Judge is responsible for the supervision of the Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau, the Adult Probation Department, and the Public Defenders Office.