Judicial Council. Board of Circuit Court Judges. Circuit Court (Second Circuit)

Circuit courts have jurisdiction over all misdemeanors and over felony cases through the preliminary hearing stage. They also have civil jurisdiction in all cases where the sum claimed is less than $20,000. The circuit court cannot, however, deal with certain classes of cases (such as divorce, child custody, land titles, and probate). Small claims is an important part of circuit court jurisdiction. For claims under $5,000, individuals pay only a small filing fee and represent themselves in an informal court procedure. The aim of the small claims process is to facilitate the settlement of matters involving relatively small awards in a speedy and inexpensive manner.