The Orange County Jail is located nearby on Court Street. The sheriff and his deputies enforce laws, respond to calls, and make arrests throughout the county. In addition deputies serve legal process, maintain order in the courtrooms, and operate the jail. The Office of the Register of Deeds contains copies of all recorded deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, death certificates, birth certificates, Articles of Incorporation and other documents. Joyce H. Pearson is the elected Register of Deeds.
Rules of evidence apply as in other courts, although simplified trial procedures are followed.
Trial in Small Claims Court is always without a jury. A magistrate presides over the proceedings and either party may appeal the decision. A magistrate's ruling has the same effect as that of a District Court judge and is placed in the records of the court. An appeal from Magistrate's Court to District Court gives the appealing party an entirely new trial. Small Claims forms may be obtained and filing fees paid at the Clerk of Court's office.