Alabama Court Records
Major Alabama courts that kept records of genealogical value were established as follows:Chancery and circuit court records are kept by the same clerk in less populated counties.
- 1807–1972 Justice of the peace courts. These courts were originally established in 1807 under the Mississippi Territory. They kept records of minor civil and criminal cases.
- 1809–1818 Superior courts of law and equity. These courts were first established under the Mississippi Territory. They had jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases and divorces from 1809 to 1818, at which time their jurisdiction was given to the circuit courts. The first superior courts were established by Mississippi Territory legislation in 1809.
- 1818–present County courts. These are countywide courts, also known as inferior courts, intermediate courts, civil courts, criminal courts, and law and juvenile courts. They keep records of civil and criminal cases.
- 1819–present Circuit courts. These are countywide courts that have jurisdiction over felonies, major criminal and civil cases, and appeals from inferior courts. They also had jurisdiction over divorces AFTER 1915.
- 1900s–present Records courts. These are sometimes referred to as municipal courts, city courts, mayors’ courts, and town courts. They are established in cities with a population of 1,000 or more. These courts keep records of minor civil and criminal cases occurring within the city.
- 1821–1915 Commissioners’ courts. This court levied the county tax and laid out and discontinued roads, bridges and highways.
- 1839–1915 Chancery courts. These courts had jurisdiction over divorces.
The court of criminal appeals, court of civil appeals, and the supreme court serve as statewide appellate courts.
Check out the following website to read about and share experiences from courthouse research.
http://www.bcpl.net/%7Edmg/courthouse.htm#Alabama
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