Simply put, a general sessions court is usually where most minor evictions begin. It has the jurisdiction to dismiss or decide upon minor misdemeanor cases or if need be, it can raise the matter to the grand jury in more complicated cases. Cases discussed in a general sessions court can include traffic violations, orders for protection, initial or preliminary eviction hearings, etc. Meanwhile, a circuit court is where an eviction case ends up in if it involves any form of compensation for damages to a certain amount (usually more than $25,000). A variety of cases can end up in a circuit court and in the case of eviction, this is where monetary disputes are usually settled.