Common terms related to court venue, jurisdiction, and service of process.
A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. Does not conduct trials or hear new evidence.
The dollar amount in dispute in a civil case. Determines which level of court has jurisdiction.
A trial court with general jurisdiction in many states. Handles civil cases above a certain dollar threshold, felonies, family law, and appeals from lower courts.
A legal dispute between parties involving money, property, or rights (not criminal charges). Includes debt collection, landlord-tenant, personal injury, and contract disputes.
The court official responsible for maintaining records, processing filings, and managing administrative functions of the court.
A court with jurisdiction limited to a specific county. In some states, handles civil cases up to a certain dollar limit, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses.
The primary trial court in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters.
A ruling in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond or appear in court after being properly served.
A trial court that may have limited or general jurisdiction depending on the state. In federal system, the primary trial court.
The fee charged by a court to initiate a legal proceeding. Varies by court, case type, and amount in controversy.
The authority of a court to hear any type of case, regardless of subject matter or dollar amount. Usually refers to the highest-level trial court in a state.
In Tennessee and some other states, a court handling civil cases up to $25,000, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings.
The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Includes subject matter jurisdiction (type of case) and personal jurisdiction (authority over the parties).
The minimum or maximum dollar amount a court is authorized to handle. Cases exceeding the limit must be filed in a higher court.
A lower-level court (also called Justice of the Peace Court) handling small civil disputes, misdemeanors, and preliminary matters. Common in Texas, Arizona, and other states.
A judicial officer who presides over a Justice Court. Handles small claims, evictions, misdemeanors, and issues warrants.
The authority of a court restricted to specific types of cases or dollar amounts. Justice courts and small claims courts have limited jurisdiction.
A lower-level court in states like Georgia, Idaho, and West Virginia. Handles small civil cases, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings.
A court with jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and sometimes misdemeanors and small civil matters within city limits.
Delivering legal documents directly to the person being sued, typically by a process server or sheriff.
A geographic subdivision within a county, often used to define Justice of the Peace court boundaries (especially in Texas).
A person authorized to deliver legal documents (summons, complaints, subpoenas) to parties in a legal proceeding.
The formal delivery of legal documents to notify parties of a legal action. Must comply with state-specific rules regarding method, timing, and who may serve.
A simplified court for resolving minor civil disputes quickly and inexpensively. Dollar limits vary by state ($3,500 to $25,000). Lawyers often not required.
A court's authority based on the type of case (e.g., criminal, civil, family, probate) rather than geography.
An alternative method of serving legal documents when personal service fails, such as leaving papers with a household member or posting on the door.
The primary trial court in states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. Has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters.
The specific geographic location (court) where a case should be filed. Determined by factors like where the incident occurred, where the parties reside, or where property is located.
Moving a case from one court to another, typically because it was filed in the wrong venue or for convenience of the parties.