Judge M.T. Thompson, Jr and Professor Monica R. Nuckolls Presents:
Making Choices
Facing Consequences
The Michigan Court System
Supreme Court
The States highest court. It consists of seven justices who hear appeals from the lower courts. It also supervises the operations of all the other Michigan Courts, establishes their rules of procedure and oversees the professional conduct of Michigan lawyers and judges.
Court of Appeals
Hears appeals from the Circuit Courts, Court of Claims and certain administrative agencies. All criminal defendants have an automatic right to appeal their conviction to this court. Each appeal is heard by a panel of three judges in one of the court’s four divisions throughout the state.
Circuit Court
This Court is responsible for:
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All civil cases involving more than $25,000.00
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All domestic relations cases, including divorces and related matters such as child custody, parental visitations and paternity.
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All felony cases. Felonies are those crimes which carry a possible prison term of more than one year. The Circuit Court also hears appeals from the District Courts, Probate Courts and certain administrative agencies.
Administrative Agencies
District Court
This court is responsible for:
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All civil cases involving $25,000 or less
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All misdemeanor criminal cases. Misdemeanors are those crimes which have a maximum possible jail sentence of one year.
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All traffic, Landlord-Tenant and Small Claims Court.
Probate Court
Hears cases that include: Administration of Trust and Estates, Guardianship, Conservatorships, and committing people who are mentally ill to hospitals.
Court of Claims
Hears claims against state departments and agencies, including, lawsuits by Michigan prison inmates and disputes between contractors and state government.