Which branch of circuit courts handles civil cases?

The Common Pleas branch of circuit courts is responsible for handling civil cases. This court has the jurisdiction to hear a wide range of civil matters, including personal injury claims, contract disputes, and various other types of lawsuits involving monetary damages or equitable relief. The focus of the Common Pleas court is to resolve disputes between individuals or entities that do not involve criminal charges.

Understanding the role of the Common Pleas court is essential not only for recognizing its function within the judicial system but also for distinguishing it from other courts that deal with different types of cases. For example, General Sessions primarily addresses criminal matters, while Family Court deals with issues related to family law, such as divorce and child custody. Magistrate Sessions typically handles less severe matters, such as small claims, minor offenses, and other limited jurisdiction cases. Knowing these distinctions helps clarify the specific responsibilities of different judicial branches within the circuit court system.