New York

       The New York Supreme Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has unlimited original jurisdiction but it usually hears cases outside the jurisdiction of other courts.  In the civil area this includes divorce, separation, annulment, foreclosures, and injunctions.  The criminal area includes felonies and indictable misdemeanors in New York City.  The New York Court of Claims has jurisdiction over claims against the state of New York and jury trials are not......Click Here For More

       The New York Supreme Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has unlimited original jurisdiction but it usually hears cases outside the jurisdiction of other courts.  In the civil area this includes divorce, separation, annulment, foreclosures, and injunctions.  The criminal area includes felonies and indictable misdemeanors in New York City.  The New York Court of Claims has jurisdiction over claims against the state of New York and jury trials are not available.  The New York County Court has jurisdiction over all crimes committed in the county.  It has limited jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000 in controversy.  The New York Surrogate's Court hears cases of probate and administration of estates.  It has concurrent jurisdiction with the Family Court in adoption cases.  The New York Family Court hears family matters.  City Courts are established in cities outside of New York City.  They have jurisdiction over misdemeanors and in civil cases up to $15,000 in controversy.  The Civil Court of The City of New York covers five counties and has jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000 in controversy, and a Small Claims Part for matters not exceeding $5,000.  The Criminal Court of The City of New York also covers five counties, and has jurisdiction over misdemeanors.  The New York District Courts exists in Nassau and Suffolk counties.  They have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanors.  Their civil jurisdiction covers small claims up to $3,000 and other cases involving money and real property up to $15,000 in controversy.

       Supreme Court Judges are elected by the district to serve 14-year terms.  Court of Claims Judges are appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate for nine-year terms.  County Court Judges are elected for ten-year terms.  Surrogate's Court Surrogates are elected for ten-year terms in each county outside New York City, and 14-year terms in each county in New York City.  Family Court Judges are elected for ten-year terms in counties outside of New York City, and appointed by the Mayor for ten-year terms for counties inside New York City.  In the City Court of New York parttime Judges are elected for six-year terms and fulltime Judges are elected for ten-year terms.  Civil Court of New York Judges are elected for ten-year terms.  Criminal Court of New York Judges are appointed by the Mayor for ten-year terms.  New York District Court Judges are elected for six-year terms.