The Need for Court Records
Court records provide a wide diversity of vital information. There are many people that find they have a need to access the information contained within the various types of court records, from federal court records to state appellate court records. Each type of court record will contain different information as each type of court has a different area of jurisdiction. If you're trying to clear the deed to a parcel of land, you wouldn't access the Federal Court of Appeals records, in most cases. An understanding of the different types of courts can help you find a place to start, narrow down your search and save you a lot of valuable time.
Federal Court- The Federal Court and its records deals with cases on a federal level. This court derives its power directly from the Constitution and deals with cases that may descend from Constitutional matters. Federal crimes, federal tax issues and multi-state cases are examples of what this type of court deals with.
State Court- When a question arises concerning state law or the constitution of a particular state, or when issues not dealing directly with federal law arise, state courts have jurisdiction. These cases can be almost anything, but usually involve a dispute or crime committed within that state. State courts have a wide range of powers and jurisdictions. Due to this wide range of jurisdictions, state courts are divided into different courts.
- Family Court- These courts deal with issues arising from family concern. Divorce, child support, adoption and other cases dealing with family issues that may not concern criminal charges are examples of what you'll find.
- Criminal Court- These courts deal with all criminal cases, from petty theft to murder. The severity of the charges will dictate if it is a local, district, circuit or superior court where the case is tried.
- Probate Court- These courts deal with dispensation of wills and other aspects that arise when a person dies. In addition to validating of wills, these courts will set terms for debt repayment, asset division and more.
Local Courts- These are a division of state courts and are usually found in the courthouse of the county seat. Ordinarily, these courts have jurisdiction of crimes and issues within the scope of their community, though if the crime is beyond a certain dollar amount, it may be removed to a higher state court. The highest state court is the state supreme court.