reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-217 - Liability to third persons

(a)
A claim based on (i) a contract entered into by a custodian acting in a custodial capacity, (ii) an obligation arising from the ownership or control of custodial property, or (iii) a tort committed during the custodianship, may be asserted against the custodial property by proceeding against the custodian in the custodial capacity, whether or not the custodian or the minor is personally liable therefor.
(b)
A custodian shall not be personally liable:
(1)
on a contract properly entered into in the custodial capacity unless the custodian fails to reveal that capacity and to identify the custodianship in the contract; or
(2)
for an obligation arising from control of custodial property or for a tort committed during the custodianship unless the custodian is personally at fault.
(c)
A minor shall not be personally liable for an obligation arising from ownership of custodial property or for a tort committed during the custodianship unless the minor is personally at fault.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 17; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-950
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-219 - Accounting by and determination of liability of custodian

(a)
A minor who has attained the age of fourteen (14) years, the minor's guardian of the person or legal representative, an adult member of the minor's family, a transferor, or a transferor's legal representative may petition the court (i) for an accounting by the custodian or the custodian's legal representative; or (ii) for a determination of responsibility, as between the custodial property and the custodian personally, for claims against the custodial property unless the responsibility has been adjudicated in an action under §
9-26-217
to which the minor or the minor's legal representative was a party.
(b)
A successor custodian may petition the court for an accounting by the predecessor custodian.
(c)
The court, in a proceeding under this subchapter or in any other proceeding, may require or permit the custodian or the custodian's legal representative to account.
(d)
If a custodian is removed under §
9-26-218(f)
, the court shall require an accounting and order delivery of the custodial property and records to the successor custodian and the execution of all instruments required for transfer of the custodial property.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 19; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-952
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-220 - Termination of custodianship

The custodian shall transfer in an appropriate manner the custodial property to the minor or to the minor's estate upon the earlier of:
(1)
the minor's attainment of twenty-one (21) years of age with respect to custodial property transferred under §
9-26-204
or §
9-26-205
, except that any transferor may have custodial property transferred to the minor at any time after the age of eighteen (18) years and before twenty-one (21) years by a designation in the following words or their equivalent: "The custodian shall transfer this property to ............... (name of minor) when ............... (he or she) reaches the age of ............... (age, after eighteen (18) years and before twenty-one (21) years, at which transfer takes place)";
(2)
the minor's attainment of age eighteen (18) years with respect to custodial property transferred under §
9-26-206
or §
9-26-207
; or
(3)
the minor's death.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 20; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-953
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-221 - Applicability

This subchapter shall apply to a transfer within the scope of §
9-26-202
made after March 21, 1985, if:
(1)
the transfer purports to have been made under the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [repealed]; or
(2)
the instrument by which the transfer purports to have been made uses in substance the designation "as custodian under the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [repealed]" or "as custodian under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act" of any other state, and the application of this subchapter is necessary to validate the transfer.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 21; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-954
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-222 - Effect on existing custodianships

(a)
Any transfer of custodial property as now defined in this subchapter made before March 21, 1985, shall be validated notwithstanding that there was no specific authority in the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [repealed] for the coverage of custodial property of that kind or for a transfer from that source at the time the transfer was made.
(b)
This subchapter shall apply to all transfers made before March 21, 1985, in a manner and form prescribed in the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [repealed], except insofar as the application impairs constitutionally vested rights or extends the duration of custodianships in existence on March 21, 1985.
(c)
Sections
9-26-201
and
9-26-220
, with respect to the age of a minor for whom custodial property is held under this subchapter, shall not apply to custodial property held in a custodianship that terminated because of the minor's attainment of the age of majority under prior law and before March 21, 1985.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 22; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-955
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-223 - Uniformity of application and construction

This subchapter shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this subchapter among states enacting it.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 23; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-956
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-224 - Short title

This subchapter may be cited as the "Arkansas Uniform Transfers to Minors Act".
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 24; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-933
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-225 - Severability

If any provisions of this subchapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this subchapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end provisions of this subchapter are severable.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 25
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-226 - Effective date

It has been found that Acts 1967, No. 250 limits the kinds of properties that may be transferred to the custodian of a minor and there is a need to expand the kinds of properties that may be the subject of a gift to a minor's custodian. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this subchapter, being immediately necessary for the preservation of the free flow of commerce, shall be in full force and effect from and after March 21, 1985.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 26; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-933n
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 2 - ARKANSAS UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-201 — 9-26-227) › Section 9-26-227 - Repealer

Acts 1967, No. 250, the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, is hereby repealed. To the extent that this subchapter, by virtue of §
9-26-222(b)
, does not apply to transfers made in a manner prescribed in the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [repealed] or to the powers, duties, and immunities conferred by transfers in that manner upon custodians and persons dealing with custodians, the repeal of the Arkansas Uniform Gifts to Minors Act does not affect those transfers or those powers, duties, and immunities. All other laws and parts of laws in conflict with this subchapter are hereby repealed.
Acts 1985, No. 476, § 27; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-954n
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-301 - Definitions

In this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)
"Bank" is a bank, trust company, national banking association, savings bank, or industrial bank;
(b)
"Broker" is a person, including a bank, lawfully engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others and includes a broker lawfully engaged in buying and selling securities for his or her own account;
(c)
"Issuer" is a person who places or authorizes the placing of his or her name on a security other than as a transfer agent to evidence that it represents a share, participation or other interest in his or her property or in an enterprise or to evidence his or her duty to perform an obligation evidenced by the security, or who becomes responsible for or in place of any such person;
(d)
"Person" includes a corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, two (2) or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity;
(e)
"Security" includes any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in an oil, gas, or mining title or lease or in payment out of production under such a title or lease, collateral trust certificate, transferable share, voting trust certificate or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate or interest or participation in, any temporary or interim certificate, receipt or certificate of deposit for, or any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing;
(f)
"Third-party" is a person other than a bank, broker, transfer agent, or issuer who with respect to a security held by a minor effects a transaction otherwise than directly with the minor;
(g)
"Transfer agent" is a person who acts as authenticating trustee, transfer agent, registrar, or other agent for an issuer in the registration of transfers of securities, in the issue of new securities, or in the cancellation of surrendered securities.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-922
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-302 - Liability for dealing with minor

A bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent incurs no liability by reason of his or her treating a minor as having capacity to transfer a security, to receive or to empower others to receive dividends, interest, principal, or other payments or distributions, to vote or give consent in person or by proxy, or to make elections or exercise rights relating to the security, unless prior to acting in the transaction the bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent had received written notice in the office acting in the transaction that the specific security is held by a minor or unless an individual conducting the transaction for the bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent had actual knowledge of the minority of the holder of the security. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, such a bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent may assume without inquiry that the holder of a security is not a minor.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-923
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-303 - Disaffirmation of transaction by minor

A minor, who has transferred a security, received or empowered others to receive dividends, interest, principal, or other payments or distributions, voted or given consent in person or by proxy, or made an election or exercised rights relating to the security, has no right thereafter, as against a bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent to disaffirm or avoid the transaction, unless prior to acting in the transaction the bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent against whom the transaction is sought to be disaffirmed or avoided had received notice in the office acting in the transaction that the specific security is held by a minor or unless an individual conducting the transaction for the bank, broker, issuer, third-party, or transfer agent had actual knowledge of the minority of the holder.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-924
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-304 - Construction

This subchapter shall be so construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the laws of those states which enact it.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-925
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-305 - Title

This subchapter may be cited as the Uniform Securities Ownership by Minors Act.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-921
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-306 - Severability

If any provision of this subchapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the subchapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this subchapter are severable.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-925n
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 26 - RIGHTS RESPECTING BUSINESS AND PROPERTY (§§ 9-26-101 — 9-26-307) › Subchapter 3 - UNIFORM SECURITIES OWNERSHIP BY MINORS ACT (§§ 9-26-301 — 9-26-307) › Section 9-26-307 - Repealer

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this subchapter are hereby repealed.
Acts 1963, No. 530, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 50-925n
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-103) › Section 9-27-102 - Best interest of child

The General Assembly recognizes that children are defenseless and that there is no greater moral obligation upon the General Assembly than to provide for the protection of our children and that our child welfare system needs to be strengthened by establishing a clear policy of the state that the best interests of the children must be paramount and shall have precedence at every stage of juvenile court proceedings. The best interest of the child shall be the standard for juvenile court determinations as to whether a child should be reunited with his or her family or removed from or remain in a home wherein the child has been abused or neglected.
Acts 1995, No. 1337, § 1; 2011, No. 591, § 4
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-301 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989".
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 1
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-302 - Purposes - Construction

This subchapter shall be liberally construed to the end that its purposes may be carried out:
(1)
To assure that all juveniles brought to the attention of the courts receive the guidance, care, and control, preferably in each juvenile's own home when the juvenile's health and safety are not at risk, that will best serve the emotional, mental, and physical welfare of the juvenile and the best interest of the state;
(2)
(A)
To preserve and strengthen the juvenile's family ties when it is in the best interest of the juvenile;
(B)
To protect a juvenile by considering the juvenile's health and safety as the paramount concerns in determining whether or not to remove the juvenile from the custody of his or her parents or custodians, removing the juvenile only when the safety and protection of the public cannot adequately be safeguarded without such removal;
(C)
When a juvenile is removed from his or her own family, to secure for him or her custody, care, and discipline with primary emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of the juvenile while in the out-of-home placement; and
(D)
To assure, in all cases in which a juvenile must be permanently removed from the custody of his or her parents, that the juvenile be placed in an approved family home and be made a member of the family by adoption;
(3)
To protect society more effectively by substituting for retributive punishment, whenever possible, methods of offender rehabilitation and rehabilitative restitution, recognizing that the application of sanctions that are consistent with the seriousness of the offense is appropriate in all cases; and
(4)
To provide means through which the provisions of this subchapter are executed and enforced and in which the parties are assured a fair hearing and their constitutional and other legal rights recognized and enforced.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 2; 1999, No. 401, § 1; 2007, No. 587, § 2
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-304 - Provisions supplemental

(a)
Unless this subchapter otherwise provides, nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to be in conflict with, to repeal, or to prevent proceedings under any act or statute of this state that may otherwise define any specific act of any person as a crime or misdemeanor, which act might also constitute contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a juvenile, or to prevent or to interfere with proceedings under any such acts.
(b)
Nor shall this subchapter be construed to be inconsistent with or to repeal any act providing for the support by parents of their minor children, the taking of indecent liberties with, or selling liquor, tobacco, or firearms to children, or permitting them in prohibited places. Nothing in any such act or similar acts shall be construed to be inconsistent with or repeal this subchapter or prevent proceedings under this subchapter.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 45
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-305 - Applicability

Any juvenile within this state may be subjected to the care, custody, control, and jurisdiction of the circuit court.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 4; 2003, No. 1166, § 3
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-308 - Personnel - Duties

(a)
Intake Officers.
(1)
The judge or judges of the circuit court designated to hear juvenile cases in their district plan under Supreme Court Administrative Order Number 14, originally issued April 6, 2001, shall designate no fewer than one (1) person in his or her judicial district as intake officer for the court.
(2)
(A)
An intake officer shall have the following duties:
(i)
To receive and investigate complaints and charges that a juvenile is delinquent or dependent-neglected, or that a family is in need of services;
(ii)
To make appropriate referrals to other public or private agencies of the community if their assistance appears to be needed or desired; and
(iii)
To perform all other functions assigned to him or her by this subchapter, by rules promulgated pursuant thereto, or by order of the court.
(B)
Any of the foregoing functions may be performed in another state if authorized by a court of this state and permitted by the laws of the other state.
(3)
If the intake officer has reasonable cause to suspect that a juvenile has been subjected to child maltreatment as defined in §
12-18-103
, the intake officer shall immediately notify the central intake of the Department of Human Services.
(b)
Probation Officers.
(1)
The judge or judges of the circuit court designated to hear juvenile cases in their district plan under Supreme Court Administrative Order Number 14, originally issued April 6, 2001, shall designate no fewer than one (1) person in his or her judicial district as probation officer.
(2)
A probation officer shall have the following duties:
(A)
To make appropriate investigations and reports when required to do so by any provision of this subchapter or the rules promulgated pursuant thereto or by order of the court;
(B)
To aid and counsel juveniles and their families when required to do so by order of the court;
(C)
To perform all other appropriate functions assigned to him or her by this subchapter or the rules promulgated pursuant thereto or by order of the court; and
(D)
To give appropriate aid and assistance to the court when requested to do so by the judge.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 7; 1995, No. 533, § 2; 2003, No. 1166, § 5; 2009, No. 758, § 11
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-312 - Notification to defendants

(a)
In a delinquency and family-in-need-of-services case, a juvenile defendant ten (10) years of age and above, any persons having care and control of the juveniles, and all adult defendants shall be served with a copy of the petition and either a notice of hearing or order to appear in the manner provided by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b)
In a dependent-neglected case:
(1)
A juvenile respondent shall be served with a copy of the petition and all other pleadings by serving the juvenile's attorney ad litem in accordance with Rule 5 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure; and
(2)
Each adult defendant shall be served in the manner provided in the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure with a copy of the petition and either a notice of a hearing or an order to appear.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 825,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 11
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-315 - Probable cause hearing

(a)
(1)
(A)
Following the issuance of an emergency order, the circuit court shall hold a probable cause hearing within five (5) business days of the issuance of the ex parte order to determine if probable cause to issue the emergency order continues to exist.
(B)
(i)
The hearing shall be limited to the purpose of determining whether probable cause existed to protect the juvenile and to determine whether probable cause still exists to protect the juvenile.
(ii)
However, the issues as to custody and delivery of services may be considered by the court and appropriate orders for custody and delivery of services entered by the court.
(iii)
If the defendant stipulates that probable cause exists, the only evidence that is presented at the probable cause hearing shall be:
(a)
Evidence pertaining to family time; and
(b)
Evidence pertaining to services delivered to the family.
(iv)
A parent shall not be compelled to testify under any circumstances.
(v)
For the sole purpose of the probable cause hearing, the stipulation of a parent that probable cause exists shall also serve as a stipulation to the introduction of the affidavit of the plaintiff.
(2)
(A)
All other issues, with the exception of custody and services, shall be reserved for hearing by the court at the adjudication hearing, which shall be a separate hearing conducted subsequent to the probable cause hearing.
(B)
By agreement of the parties and with the court's approval, the adjudication hearing may be conducted at any time after the probable cause hearing, subject to §
9-27-327(a)(2)
.
(b)
The petitioner shall have the burden of proof by a preponderance of evidence that probable cause exists for continuation of the emergency order.
(c)
If the court determines that the juvenile can safely be returned to his or her home pending adjudication and it is in the best interest of the juvenile, the court shall so order.
(d)
(1)
At the probable cause hearing, the court shall set the time and date of the adjudication hearing.
(2)
A written order shall be filed by the court or by a party or party's attorney, as designated by the court, within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing or prior to the next hearing, whichever is sooner.
(e)
All probable cause hearings are miscellaneous proceedings as defined in Rule 1101(b)(3) of the Arkansas Rules of Evidence, and the rules of evidence, including, but not limited to, the hearsay rule, Rule 802 of the Arkansas Rules of Evidence, are not applicable.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 363,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 559,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1111,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1055,§ 8, eff. 8/16/2013
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 14; 1993, No. 1227, § 3; 1995, No. 533, § 5; 1995, No. 1337, § 2; 1997, No. 1227, § 3; 1999, No. 1340, § 33; 2003, No. 1319, § 11; 2005, No. 1990, § 7
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-319 - Double jeopardy

(a)
No juvenile who has been subjected to an adjudication pursuant to a petition alleging him or her to be delinquent shall be tried later under criminal charges based upon facts alleged in the petition to find him or her delinquent.
(b)
No juvenile who has been tried for a violation of the criminal laws of this state shall be later subjected to a delinquency proceeding arising out of the facts that formed the basis of the criminal charges.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 18
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-321 - Statements not admissible

Statements made by a juvenile to the intake officer or probation officer during the intake process before a hearing on the merits of the petition filed against the juvenile shall not be used or be admissible against the juvenile at any stage of any proceedings in circuit court or in any other court.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 20; 2003, No. 1166, § 12
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-322 - Release from custody

(a)
Upon receiving notice that a juvenile has been taken into custody on an allegation of delinquency, the intake officer shall immediately notify the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian of the location at which the juvenile is being held and of the reasons for the juvenile's detention if such notification has not previously taken place and shall:
(1)
Unconditionally release the juvenile to the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian;
(2)
Release the juvenile to the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian upon the written promise of the parent, guardian, or custodian to bring the juvenile before the court when summoned;
(3)
Release the juvenile to the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian upon written conditions to ensure the juvenile will be brought before the court;
(4)
Pending court review, place the juvenile in shelter care if unable to locate the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian;
(5)
Pending court review, place the juvenile on electronic monitoring; or
(6)
Detain the juvenile pending a detention hearing before the circuit court.
(b)
Criteria for Release by Intake Officer.
(1)
In determining whether to detain a juvenile who has been taken into custody on an allegation of delinquency pending a detention hearing, the intake officer shall consider the following facts:
(A)
Ties to the community, including:
(i)
Place and length of residence;
(ii)
School attendance;
(iii)
Present and past employment;
(iv)
Family relationships; and
(v)
References; and
(B)
Nature of the alleged offense, including:
(i)
Whether the offense would constitute a felony or misdemeanor;
(ii)
The use of force or violence;
(iii)
Prior juvenile or criminal record; and
(iv)
Any history of failure to appear for court appearances.
(2)
The intake officer may determine that there is no less restrictive alternative to detention if detention is necessary:
(A)
To prevent imminent bodily harm to the juvenile or to another; or
(B)
To prevent flight when the juvenile is a fugitive or escapee from another jurisdiction.
(3)
Only if a substantial number of the facts considered under subdivision (b)(1) of this section weigh against the juvenile or one (1) of the two (2) circumstances in subdivision (b)(2) of this section exists shall the juvenile be detained pending a detention hearing by the court.
(c)
The juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian shall not be charged the cost of detention, shelter, or electronic monitoring authorized by a juvenile officer under subsection (a) of this section.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1021,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1021,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 21; 2003, No. 1166, § 13
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-324 - Preliminary investigation

(a)
Upon receiving notice that a juvenile has been taken into custody on an allegation of delinquency, the intake officer shall also conduct a preliminary investigation.
(b)
In the course of a preliminary investigation, the intake officer may:
(1)
Interview the complainant, victim, or witnesses of the act and circumstances alleged in the complaint;
(2)
Review existing records of the court, law enforcement agencies, and public records of other agencies; and
(3)
Hold conferences with the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian for the purpose of interviewing them and discussing the disposition of the complaint.
(c)
Any additional inquiries may be made only with the consent of the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian.
(d)
(1)
Participation of the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian in a conference with an intake officer shall be voluntary, with the right to refuse to continue participation at any time.
(2)
At the conferences, the juvenile and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian shall be advised of the juvenile's right to assistance of counsel and the right to remain silent when questioned by the intake officer.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 23
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-329 - Disposition hearing

(a)
If the circuit court finds that the petition has been substantiated by the proof at the adjudication hearing, a disposition hearing shall be held for the court to enter orders consistent with the disposition alternatives.
(b)
When a juvenile is held in detention after an adjudication hearing for delinquency pending a disposition hearing, the disposition hearing shall be held no more than fourteen (14) days following the adjudication hearing.
(c)
In dependency-neglect proceedings, the disposition hearing may be held immediately following or concurrent with the adjudication hearing but in any event shall be held no more than fourteen (14) days following the adjudication hearing.
(d)
In initially considering the disposition alternatives and at any subsequent hearing, the court shall give preference to the least restrictive disposition consistent with the best interests and welfare of the juvenile and the public.
(e)
In dependency-neglect cases, a written disposition order shall be filed by the court, or by a party or party's attorney as designated by the court, within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing or prior to the next hearing, whichever is sooner.
(f)
At the disposition hearing, the court may admit into evidence any victim impact statements and studies or reports that have been ordered, even though they are not admissible at the adjudication hearing.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 701,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 28; 1997, No. 1227, § 7; 1999, No. 401, § 8; 2001, No. 1503, § 8; 2003, No. 1809, § 5; 2009, No. 956, § 11
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-334 - Disposition - Dependent-neglected - Generally

(a)
If a juvenile is found to be dependent-neglected, the circuit court may enter an order making any of the following dispositions:
(1)
Order family services;
(2)
(A)
If it is in the best interest of the juvenile, transfer custody of the juvenile to the Department of Human Services, to another licensed agency responsible for the care of juveniles, or to a relative or other individual.
(B)
If the court grants custody of the juvenile to the department, the juvenile shall be placed in a licensed or approved foster home, shelter, or facility, or an exempt child welfare agency as defined at §
9-28-402
.
(C)
A juvenile in the custody of the department is "awaiting foster care placement", as that term is used in the definition of "homeless children and youths" in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act,
42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2)
, if the juvenile:
(i)
Is placed in a shelter, facility, or other short-term placement with a plan of moving the juvenile within ninety (90) days;
(ii)
Is transferred to an emergency placement to protect the juvenile's health or welfare;
(iii)
Is placed in a provisional foster home as defined by §
9-28-402
;
(iv)
Has experienced three (3) or more placements within a twelve-month period; or
(v)
Is placed in a regular foster home or other placement that is not directly related to the permanency goal identified in the case plan required under §
9-28-111
;
(3)
(A)
Order that the parent, both parents, or the guardian of the juvenile attend a court-ordered parental responsibility training program, if available, and participate in a juvenile drug court program.
(B)
The court may make reasonable orders requiring proof of completion of such a training program within a certain time period and payment of a fee covering the cost of the training program;
(4)
Determine the most appropriate goal of the case; and
(5)
Order that the parent, both parents, or the guardian or custodian of the juvenile participate in a family treatment specialty court program under §
9-27-801
et seq., if available.
(b)
Such an order of custody shall supersede an existing court order of custody and shall remain in full force and effect until a subsequent order of custody is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c)
The court may provide that any violation of its orders shall subject any party in violation to contempt sanctions.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 61,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1094,§ 6, eff. 7/22/2015
Amended by Act 2015, No. 825,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015
Amended by Act 2015, No. 825,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 33; 1993, No. 1227, § 2; 1995, No. 533, § 11; 1995, No. 779, § 4; 1995, No. 1335, § 3; 1995, No. 1337, § 7; 1999, No. 401, § 10; 1999, No. 1340, § 21; 2001, No. 1503, § 10; 2003, No. 1319, § 21; 2003, No. 1809, § 11; 2005, No. 1990, § 15; 2007, No. 587, § 19; 2007, No. 1022, § 2
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-339 - Probation - Revocation

(a)
(1)
After an adjudication of delinquency, the court may place a juvenile on probation. The conditions of probation shall be given to the juvenile in writing and shall be explained to him or her and to his or her parent, guardian, or custodian by the probation officer in the initial conference following the disposition hearing.
(2)
The court shall notify the Division of Youth Services in its commitment order of the order of probation including the juvenile's compliance with the division's aftercare plan, if provided in the treatment plan.
(b)
Any violation of a condition of probation may be reported to the prosecuting attorney, who may initiate a petition in the court for revocation of probation. A petition for revocation of probation shall contain specific factual allegations constituting each violation of a condition of probation.
(c)
The petition alleging violation of a condition of probation and seeking revocation of probation shall be served upon the juvenile, his or her attorney, and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian.
(d)
A revocation hearing shall be set within a reasonable time after the filing of the petition, or within fourteen (14) days if the juvenile has been detained as a result of the filing of the petition for revocation.
(e)
If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the juvenile violated the terms and conditions of probation, the court may:
(1)
Extend probation;
(2)
Impose additional conditions of probation; or
(3)
Make any disposition that could have been made at the time probation was imposed under §
9-27-330
.
(f)
(1)
Nonpayment of restitution, fines, or court costs may constitute a violation of probation, unless the juvenile shows that his or her default was not attributable to a purposeful refusal to obey the sentence of the court or was not due to a failure on his or her part to make a good faith effort to obtain the funds required for payment.
(2)
In determining whether to revoke probation, the court shall consider the juvenile's employment status, earning ability, financial resources, the willfulness of the juvenile's failure to pay, and any other special circumstances that may have a bearing on the juvenile's ability to pay.
(3)
If the court determines that the default in payment of a fine, costs, or restitution is excusable under subdivision (f)(1) of this section, the court may enter an order allowing the juvenile additional time for payment, reducing the amount of each installment, or revoking the fine, costs, or restitution or unpaid portion thereof in whole or in part.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 38; 1994 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 69, § 2; 1994 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 70, § 2; 2009, No. 956, §§ 18, 19
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-343 - Appeals

(a)
All appeals from juvenile cases shall be made to the Supreme Court or to the Court of Appeals in the time and manner provided for appeals in the Arkansas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
(b)
In delinquency cases, the petitioner may appeal only under those circumstances that would permit the state to appeal in criminal proceedings.
(c)
Pending an appeal from any case involving a juvenile out-of-home placement, the juvenile division of circuit court retains jurisdiction to conduct further hearings.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 42; 1999, No. 401, § 15; 2003, No. 1166, § 21; 2003, No. 1319, § 25
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-344 - Monthly report

The circuit court shall submit monthly to the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts a report in writing upon forms to be furnished by the director showing the number and disposition of juveniles brought before the juvenile division of circuit court together with such other information regarding those cases as may be requested by the director.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 43; 2003, No. 1166, § 22
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-345 - Admissibility of evidence

(a)
Juvenile adjudications of delinquency for offenses for which the juvenile could have been tried as an adult may be used at the sentencing phase in subsequent adult criminal proceedings against those same individuals.
(b)
(1)
No other evidence adduced against a juvenile in any proceeding under this subchapter nor the fact of adjudication or disposition shall be admissible evidence against the juvenile in any civil, criminal, or other proceeding.
(2)
However, the evidence shall be admissible when proper in subsequent proceedings against the same juvenile under this subchapter.
Acts 1989, No. 273, § 44; 1993, No. 535, § 5; 1993, No. 551, § 5
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-346 - Support orders

(a)
If it appears at the adjudication or disposition hearing in any case brought under this subchapter that the parents or any other person named in the petition who is by law required to provide support for the juvenile is able to contribute to the support of the juvenile, the court shall issue an order requiring the person to pay a reasonable sum pursuant to the guidelines for child support and the family support chart for the support, maintenance, or education of the juvenile to any person, agency, or institution to whom custody is awarded.
(b)
The court, upon proper motion, may make such adjustments and modifications of the order as may appear reasonable and proper.
(c)
The court shall also order the persons required by law to support a juvenile to disclose their places of employment and the amounts earned by them. Anyone who refuses to disclose such information may be cited for contempt of court.
Acts 1975, No. 451, § 31; A.S.A. 1947, § 45-431; Acts 1993, No. 1152, § 1; 1997, No. 1296, § 38; 2003, No. 1166, § 23
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-347 - Probation reports

(a)
The probation officer shall make and keep a complete history of each case before disposition and during the course of any probation imposed by the circuit court.
(b)
(1)
It is the intention of this section to require an intelligent and thorough report of each juvenile before probation and during probation as to heredity, environment, condition, treatment, development, and results.
(2)
The report shall contain among other information the age, sex, nativity, residence, education, mentality, habits, whether married or single, and employment and income and shall be continued so as to show the condition of the person during the term of his or her probation and the results of probation in the case.
(3)
The report shall never be disclosed except as required by law or directed by the court.
(c)
The probation officer shall furnish to each person released on probation a written statement of the terms and conditions of probation and shall report to the court any violation or breach of the terms and conditions so imposed.
Acts 1975, No. 451, § 34; A.S.A. 1947, § 45-434; Acts 2003, No. 1166, § 24
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 3 - MINORS (§§ 9-25-101 — 9-34-204) › Chapter 27 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 9-27-101 — 9-27-806) › Subchapter 3 - ARKANSAS JUVENILE CODE (§§ 9-27-301 — 9-27-371) › Section 9-27-348 - Publication of proceedings

No information by which the name or identity of a juvenile who is the subject of proceedings under this subchapter may be ascertained shall be published by the news media without written order of the circuit court.
Acts 1975, No. 451, § 43; A.S.A. 1947, § 45-443; Acts 2003, No. 1166, § 25