Welcome to the Genealogy Forum's Resource Center!

West Virginia Court Records

West Virginia Court Records

1643 - 1863, 1872 - Present: County Courts have county-wide jurisdiction over probates and guardianships. Their primary responsibility is to serve as the administrative body of the county. They have custody over documents such as leases, deeds and judgements. From 1863 to 1872 this court was abolished. Its judicial functions were handled by the Circuit Courts and its administrative functions by a Board of Supervisors established in each township. It was reestablished in 1872 with its former jurisdictions. Many of the supervisors' records are in the custody of the County Courts.

1852 - Present: Circuit Courts have jurisdiction in from one to four counties over criminal, civil, and equity cases, including divorces. They also serve as an Appellate Court for County, Statutory, and other inferior courts. From 1809 to 1852 they were known as Circuit Superior Courts of law.

1863 - Present: Supreme Court of Appeals is the highest state court. It hears appeals from the Circuit Courts.

1863 - Present: Statutory Courts were created at various times by special acts of the State Legislature. The jurisdiction of these courts varies but may include limited civil cases, domestic relations, and appeals from Municipal and Justice Courts. They exist in various counties (usually the most populous) under different names such as Criminal Courts, Intermediate Courts, or Common Pleas Courts. Statutory Courts with general criminal jurisdiction and some civil jurisdiction exist in Cabell, Harrison, Kanawha, McDowell, Marion, Mercer, Ohio, and Raleigh counties. Statutory Courts with limited civil jurisdiction only are in Cabell, Hancock, Kanawha, Marshall, and Wood counties.

1863 - Present: Municipal Courts have citywide jurisdiction over misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies.

1863 - Present: Justice Courts have been established in magisterial districts (there are three to 10 districts in each county). These courts have jurisdiction over minor criminal (misdemeanor) and civil cases involving less than $300. A Justice of the Peace usually turned over the dockets and records of his court to his successor and many of these records have been lost. Beginning about 1917, the Justice gave quarterly lists of fines and payments to the County Courts. Some of the Justice Court records are at county courthouses.

BACK to Main Page - Resource Center

The Genealogy Forum - Main Page
Beginners' Center | Chat Rooms | File Libraries
Internet Center | Message Boards
Resource Center | Reunion Center
Genealogy Forum News
Shop With Us

AOL Member Exclusive:
Go Directly to The Genealogy Forum on AOL!

© 1999, 2000 Some Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved.
Genealogy Forum.com is a production of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Franklin, Massachusetts.
© 1998, 1999, 2000 All Rights Reserved. George Ferguson, President.
The Genealogy Forum is a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society.
Tree logo provided by MeadPond Designs and is the trademark of GenealogyForum.com.

If you have any questions or comments,
please contact GenealogyForum@aol.com