Powers of Local Jurisdiction Courts

Local jurisdiction courts are split into two separate categories: limited jurisdiction and general jurisdiction. As a group, these courts may be referred to as “trial courts” and exercise original jurisdiction over designated types of cases. Each state maintains an individual court system with different civil and criminal courts within this lower level. These courts may include but are not limited to town court, city or municipal court, small claims court, county court, probate court, family court and juvenile court.

Limited Jurisdiction Courts

Courts which exercise limited and original jurisdiction only hear specific and designated cases of certain subject matter and geographical locations. This also means that they do not hear appeals, as they are the lowest level of courts within any system. The power granted to these courts exists due to local statutes or constitutions which call for them to be created. These limited jurisdiction courts may include city or municipal courts, magistrate courts, justice of the peace courts, city or county district courts.

Many people who experience the court system for the first time will do so in one of these limited jurisdiction courts. Many parties are self-represented, and the presiding judges are often elected to the bench. Generally, these courts are housed in local courthouses and funded through the local government.

General Jurisdiction Courts

Local courts which exercise general jurisdiction are given the authority to hear any type of case, including both civil and criminal matters. A state may further divide general jurisdiction courts into probate, family or juvenile branches for special cases. Some of these courts may also hear appeals from the lower, limited jurisdiction courts. 

General jurisdiction courts, in addition to subject matter and geographical jurisdiction, also exercise what is known as “personal jurisdiction,” where they have power over a defendant or item of property. This allows the court to bind the party to complete any obligations or grant rights to a subject property. Of course, these specific types and scopes of power vary from one state’s court system to the next. 

Local Jurisdiction vs. Appellate Courts

Local jurisdiction courts generally exercise original jurisdiction over local cases of both civil and criminal origin. If a defendant is not happy with the final judgment presented in a case, they may appeal and take the case before a higher court. These courts are referred to as “intermediate” or “high appellate courts.” The “Court of Last Resort” is the highest court within the state’s system, and may hear appeals from the intermediate appellate level for cases which are presented once again.

Judges and Juries

Local jurisdiction courts may decide cases via a judge, judge panel or jury comprised of local taxpaying citizens. These judges are generally elected to the bench by the local residents, and each state outlines the length of term and eligibility for re-election. Juries are randomly chosen at large, then pared down through a detailed selection process conducted by both parties to a case. Just as with all other aspects of a state’s court system, the types of cases presented and whether they are heard by a judge or jury is determined by the local statutes.