What is the purpose of a county court?
In the United States, the individual states determine the county courts’ functions. States such as Missouri use the “county circuit court” for administration functions, while states such as New York and California endow all judicial functions to the county courts. County courts are called superior courts in some states.Civil CasesSome county courts handle civil cases and are commonly referred to as the “people’s court.” In some states, county courts handle only criminal cases and criminal trials, including felonies. State legislation determines each county court’s function.Criminal CasesIn courts with judicial powers, county courts generally handle all crimes occurring in the county. They will also handle any misdemeanor appeals from the lower courts and may handle lesser crimes than felonies. For these courts, civil cases involving less than $25,000 can also be handled in the county courts.Family LawMany county courts handle family law matters, including custody battles and divorce ca
