Special Courts

Occasionally, public or private acts create courts to exercise particular jurisdiction in a county.  Some counties have chosen through private acts to have separate special jurisdiction courts.  Probate jurisdiction is in chancery court unless it is placed in another court by a special act. Similarly, general sessions court has juvenile jurisdiction, unless it is placed in another court by private act. Some counties have combined specialized jurisdictions to create new court titles.  The clerk of these courts is designated in the private acts creating these courts.  The judge's salary is determined according to the special legislation. Cases from these special inferior courts may be appealed to the circuit court for a de novo trial.