Criminal Courts exist in 13 of the State's 31 judicial districts. In addition to having jurisdiction over criminal cases, the 29 Criminal Court judges hear misdemeanor appeals from lower courts. In districts without Criminal Courts, criminal cases are handled at the trial level by Circuit Court judges. The courts also handle conservatorships and guardianships. Every county is served by the court which hears civil and criminal cases, including matters formerly handled by justices of the peace.
Civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of actions.
Criminal jurisdiction is limited to preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials in which a defendant waives the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in Circuit or Criminal Court. General Sessions judges also serve as juvenile judges except in counties in which the legislature has established a separate Juvenile Court. General Sessions judges are elected to eight year terms. Juvenile Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in proceedings involving minors alleged to be delinquent, unruly, dependent and neglected. Juvenile Courts also have concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit, Chancery and Probate Courts in some areas.