Courts

Several courts in St. Louis City and County have provided information on their general court operations. Information on the Missouri Court System follows.

Court Information

Missouri Court System

Missouri has a three-tier court system. Judicial authority is vested in the state's Supreme Court, the state's highest court, with statewide jurisdiction; a Court of Appeals consisting of districts established by the General Assembly; and in a system of circuit courts which have original jurisdiction over all cases and matters, civil and criminal. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have general superintending control over all courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction. Original remedial writs may be issued and determined at each level of the court system. Decisions of the Supreme Court are controlling in all courts.

The Supreme Court is located in the State Capital in Jefferson City. There are three Courts of Appeal. The Eastern District is located in St. Louis, the Southern District is located in Springfield and the Western District is located in Kansas City. There are 45 judicial circuits. A circuit's jurisdiction may cover as few as one of the state's 115 counties or as many as five counties.

Within a circuit, special divisions may be created either by statute or in response to demonstrated need.

Several web sites carry information pertaining to the court system. Here are a few sites to start your research.

• Missouri Courts Digest: Missouri Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Circuit Courts.

• United States Federal Judiciary: A clearinghouse for information from and about the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government.