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Circuit courts are the trial courts with the broadest powers in Michigan.[1][2] In Michigan, circuit courts handle all felony Criminal cases that could result in confinement to prison.[1][2] They also deal with all civil cases for claims in excess of $25,000.00.[1][2] There are 57 circuit courts in the state of Michigan.[1][2] Judges are elected for six-year terms.[1][2] In Michigan, circuit courts are divided into two divisions.[1][2] General division and then family division.[1][2]



Organization

As of 2023, there are 57 judicial circuits that are set by the legislature.[1][2] The number of judges in each circuit is set by the legislature.[2] Michigan has 83 counties, so some circuit courts cover several counties. So judges elected in multicounty circuits must travel from one county to another to hold court.[2]

To be eligible to be elected as a circuit court judge in Michigan, the person must be a qualified elector, a resident of the judicial circuit, a member of the Michigan Bar in good standing, and under the age of 70 years old.[2]

Family Division

The family division of the circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family matters in the circuit adoptions,child support, custody, divorce, Juvenile proceedings, name changesparenting time, paternity, and personal protection orders.[1][2]

History

In 1833, all the county courts in all counties in the territory of Michigan, except Wayne were abolished and replaced by one circuit court of the territory of Michigan.[2] In 1836, the state was divided into 3 circuits. The 1850 Michigan Constitution made the office of circuit court judges elected officials and set the term of office to six (6) years.[2]

In 1908, the Constitution provided for judicial circuits which are drawn around county lines.[2]

List

List of Circuit Courts

Court County Number of Judges Courthouse location(s) Image Source
1st Circuit Hillsdale 1 Court Website
2nd Circuit Berrien 13
3rd Circuit Wayne 61
4th Circuit Jackson 4
5th Circuit Barry 2
6th Circuit Oakland 18
7th Circuit Genesee 9
8th Circuit Montcalm and Ionia 2
9th Circuit Kalamazoo 5
10th Circuit Saginaw 5
11th Circuit Luce, Mackinac, Schoolcraft, and Alger 1
12th Circuit Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw 1
13th Circuit Leelanau, Antrim and Grand Traverse 2
14th Circuit Muskegon 4
15th Circuit Branch 2
16th Circuit Macomb 12
17th Circuit Kent 10
18th Circuit Bay 3
19th Circuit Benzie, Manistee 1
20th Circuit Ottawa 4
21st Circuit Isabella 2
22nd Circuit Washtenaw 5
23rd Circuit Iosco, Arenac, Alcona, Oscoda 3
24th Circuit Sanilac 1
25th Circuit Marquette 2
26th Circuit Alpena, Montmorency 1
27th Circuit Oceana, Newaygo 2
28th Circuit Wexford, Missaukee 1
29th Circuit Gratiot, Clinton 2
30th Circuit Ingham 7
31st Circuit St. Clair 3
32nd Circuit Ontonagon, Gogebic 2
33rd Circuit Charlevoix 1
34th Circuit Ogemaw, Roscommon 1
35th Circuit Shiawassee 1
36th Circuit Van Buren 3
37th Circuit Calhoun 4
38th Circuit Monroe 3
39th Circuit Lenawee 2
40th Circuit Lapeer 2
41st Circuit Iron, Dickinson, Menominee 3
42nd Circuit Midland 2
43rd Circuit Cass 1
44th Circuit Livingston 2
45th Circuit St. Joseph 1
46th Circuit Otsego, Crawford, Kalkaska 2
47th Circuit Delta 1
48th Circuit Allegan 2
49th Circuit Osceola, Mecosta 2
50th Circuit Chippewa 1
51st Circuit Mason, Lake 3
52nd Circuit Huron 1
53rd Circuit Cheboygan, Presque Isle 1
54th Circuit Tuscola 1
55th Circuit Clare, Gladwin 2
56th Circuit Eaton 3
57th Circuit Emmet 1

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Trial Courts: Michigan has three trial courts-Circuit, district, and probate". www.courts.michigan.gov. 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Michigan Trial Courts" (PDF). Michigan Legislature. 2010. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
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