The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the state. The district judges preside over felony criminal cases, large civil cases, as well as juvenile and probate matters. They also hear appeals from lower court decisions. The jurisdiction of the district courts is unlimited except for civil cases under $50,000, small claims cases, forcible entry and detainer cases, and misdemeanors, which are heard in the circuit courts. As a result, the work of the district courts includes the most serious cases and controversies in the state.
A district court exists in all 23 counties, and the counties are organized into nine judicial districts.
Civil Records
Primarily handle claims of more than $50,000, divorces, water rights, organization of conservation and irrigation districts, and real estate disputes. Among the records are:
The main records are appearance dockets and case files. Appearance dockets list the records filed and provide a chronology of actions taken within a case. Case files contain various records – such as petitions, summons, answers, motions, and judgments – filed in individual cases. Case numbers are required to access files.
Only the Supreme Court appeal files contain transcripts of court proceedings.
Deal with supervision and management of estates of deceased individuals, minors, and individuals deemed incapable of handling their personal affairs and adoptions. Among the records are:
The main records are appearance dockets and case files. Appearance dockets list the records filed and provide a chronology of actions taken within a case. Case files contain various records – such as petitions, summons, answers, motions, and judgments – filed in individual cases. Case numbers are required to access files. Statutes may restrict public access to some records, such as adoptions and involuntary hospitalizations.
Deal with felonies and high misdemeanors (murder, sexual assault, embezzlement, drug possession, etc.) punishable by confinement in a state penal facility. Among the records are:
The main records are appearance dockets and case files. Appearance dockets list the records filed and provide a chronology of actions taken within a case. Case files contain various records – such as petitions, summons, answers, motions, and judgments – filed in individual cases. Case numbers are required to access files.
Only the Supreme Court appeal files contain transcripts of court proceedings.
Other District Court records include:
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