LibGuides: Shelby County Government: Courts

Shelby County Courts

Chancery court
The Chancery Court is a civil court hearing a variety of cases. They have more general jurisdiction than the General Sessions court, but are subordinate to the Circuit Court.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court hears some civil cases, but also acts as an appellate court for lower court cases.
Criminal Court
The criminal courts cover both misdemeanor and felony cases that are not taken by other, more specialized courts.
General Sessions Court
The General Sessions Court hears low level civil and criminal matters. Their page also includes information on the drug and environmental courts.
Juvenile Court
The Juvenile Court handles criminal matters involving minors, with a focus on rehabilitation and prevention of delinquency.
Probate Court
The probate court handles wills and estates of deceased persons, and conservatorship and guardianship for living people.
Veterans Court
The verterans court recognizes that many criminal acts committed by military veterans is caused in part by substance abuse and/or mental health concerns. The court uses mentorship and intervention to address the root causes of such behaviors and prevent recurrences.

Shelby County Municipal & Traffic Courts

The traffic courts of the various municipalities in Shelby County are controlled by their local governments, and not the county court systems as a whole. Please see their individual websites for more information.

Shelby County Law Library

The Shelby County Law Library, located in Room 334 of the Adams Street courthouse, is available to the public for legal research from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information about their availability and services, please call them at (901) 527-7041.