Wisconsin Court Records: Difference between revisions

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Federal and territorial courts recorded many early court cases. Some of the territorial court actions have been published. Other [[Wisconsin|Wisconsin]] courts that kept records of genealogical value were established as follows:  
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==Online Resources==
*'''1837-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20762/wisconsin-central-wisconsin-court-registrations?s=275764761 Wisconsin, Central Wisconsin Court Registrations] at MyHeritage — index ($)
 
 
 
Information about many of your ancestors can be found in court records, perhaps as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. They may have participated in cases involving probate, naturalization, divorce, debt, adoption, guardianship, licenses, appointment to public offices, taxes, civil and criminal lawsuits, property disputes, crimes, or other matters brought before a court. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence. They often provide occupations, descriptions of individuals, and other excellent family history information.
 
Between the date counties were created and the date they were organized, which could be several years, some counties were attached to other counties for administrative purposes. This sometimes makes it hard to find the early records.
 
== Researching Wisconsin Court Records  ==
 
Major courts that kept records of genealogical value in Wisconsin were established as follows:
 
Federal and territorial courts recorded many early court cases. Some of the territorial court actions have been published. Other Wisconsin courts that kept records of genealogical value were established as follows:  


'''1800s–present''' Circuit courts have countywide jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases and some appeals. Cases can be transferred to a court of appeals.  
'''1800s–present''' Circuit courts have countywide jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases and some appeals. Cases can be transferred to a court of appeals.  
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'''1848–present''' County courts have countywide jurisdiction concurrently with circuit courts for criminal and civil cases and have exclusive jurisdiction for probates, juvenile matters, dependency, and neglect matters. From 1854 to 1913, the county courts handled probate matters but did not have jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases.  
'''1848–present''' County courts have countywide jurisdiction concurrently with circuit courts for criminal and civil cases and have exclusive jurisdiction for probates, juvenile matters, dependency, and neglect matters. From 1854 to 1913, the county courts handled probate matters but did not have jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases.  


The Family History Library does not have copies of Wisconsin civil and criminal court records. They are available at the clerk's office in the various county courthouses and at archival repositories.  
The FamilySearch Library does not have copies of Wisconsin civil and criminal court records. They are available at the office of the Clerk of Courts in the respective county and at archival repositories.
 
A more accurate chronology of the Wisconsin courts system can be found at the [http://www.wicourts.gov/courts/history/index.htm Wisconsin Court System website].  


[[Category:Wisconsin|Court]]
{{Wisconsin|Wisconsin}}


{{Wisconsin|Wisconsin}}
[[Category:Wisconsin, United States]][[Category:Court records by U.S. state]]
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