Agency Histories
Judicial Council. Board of Circuit Court Judges. Circuit Court (Tenth Circuit)
Abstract
Biography/History Notes
Circuit courts were established in 1977 to replace city courts with jurisdiction over cases involving infractions and misdemeanors involving adults. The 10th Circuit Court had jurisdiction in Garfield, Kane, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne Counties. This circuit was abolished in 1988 when all state court boundaries were reconciled so that each level had identical boundaries.
"Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over all misdemeanors and over felony cases through the preliminary hearing stages. 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.?"The Circuit Courts are in the process of becoming incorporated into the District Courts. In the four less populous districts of the state the consolication has already taken place."__(From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 8, December 1993, page 4.) ?Jurisdiction includes Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield, and Kane counties.
From 1977 until the 1988 reorganization of the court system, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane counties made up the 10th circuit.