Arkansas

       The court of general trial jurisdiction in Arkansas is the Arkansas Circuit Court.  It is divided into the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Probate Division, Domestic Relations Division, and Juvenile Division.  The Circuit Court of Arkansas has original jurisdiction over all civil cases, and criminal cases except where exclusive jurisdiction is given to another court.  It also hears appeals from lower courts.  The Arkansas District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. ......Click Here For More

       The court of general trial jurisdiction in Arkansas is the Arkansas Circuit Court.  It is divided into the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Probate Division, Domestic Relations Division, and Juvenile Division.  The Circuit Court of Arkansas has original jurisdiction over all civil cases, and criminal cases except where exclusive jurisdiction is given to another court.  It also hears appeals from lower courts.  The Arkansas District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction.  It has exclusive jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, violations of city ordinances, small claims cases, and all civil cases up to $5,000.  The District Court of Arkansas also holds preliminary hearings in felony cases.  The County Court of Arkansas has exclusive original jurisdiction in matters of county taxes, county expenditures, and settlement of demands against the county.

       Circuit Court Judges are elected in nonpartisan elections to six-year terms within their circuit.  District Court Judges are elected for four-year terms.  County Court Judges are elected by the county voters for two-year terms.