The circuit courts are limited jurisdiction courts. The civil jurisdiction of the circuit courts covers small claim cases and civil cases in which the damages or recovery sought do not exceed $50,000. Circuit courts also hear family violence, stalking, and sexual assault protections order cases. Further they hear forcible entry and detainer cases. The criminal jurisdiction of the circuit courts covers all misdemeanor cases. A circuit court may also have the jurisdiction of a municipal court over ordinance violations if a municipality requests it and if the Supreme Court consents to such a consolidation of courts. Finally, the circuit courts may set bail for people accused of crimes and conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases.
The geographic boundaries of the circuit courts are the same as the nine judicial districts for the district courts, and there are circuit courts in all 23 counties.
INTERIOR OF US DISTRICT COURT ROOM, IN ORDER OF NUMBERS: RICHARD DURBIN, CD CLARK, BB BROOKS, JUDGE RINER, JUDGE MONDELL, SEN. FE WARREN, ROBERT FERGUSON, CHARLES OHNHAUSE, EDWARD CLARK, FRANK HADSELL, JOE LEFORE, TIMOTHY BURKE, PAUL BAILEY, LOUIS KIRK, ca. 1915, Cheyenne, WY, WSA Stimson Sub Neg 17492
In 1971, Wyoming State Legislature established the county court system. Following a resolution of the county commissioners, a County Court replaced the network of Justice of the Peace courts in counties with a population of more than 30,000 people and municipalities with a population of more than 15,000 people. Most County Courts came into being in the early 1980s.
Circuit Court and Justice of the Peace Courts hear felonies and misdemeanors offenses that may result either in fines or jail time but not incarceration in a public institution. Among the crimes are:
In addition, these courts hear civil actions for payment of services rendered. These were once called small claims courts. Only civil dockets filed before 1945 are kept in the State Archives.
The primary record is a docket and can be in the form of a volume or summary sheet. In a volume, the docket entry will provide the name, date of arrest, and charge, and decision. Current courts have a docket sheet which provides the same information, but the citation and other supporting documentation may be attached to or accompany it. Justice of the Peace volumes may or may not be indexed. Access to criminal dockets filed after 1982 require a docket number from the court.
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