Iowa Directories: Difference between revisions

County courts, 1851–1868:  These county–wide courts had jurisdiction over lesser civil and criminal matters, such as probates, marriage licenses, and liquor permits. In 1868 the circuit court took over the duties from the county court. Many of these records are on microfilm at the Family History Library.

Circuit courts, 1868–1887:  These county–wide courts had jurisdiction over juvenile, criminal, and civil cases. From about 1869 to 1887 this court handled probate cases. Circuit courts were abolished in 1887 and their jurisdiction was given to district courts. Many circuit court records are on microfilm at the Family History Library.

District courts, 1836–present:  These courts have district–wide jurisdiction over probate, criminal, and civil cases. The records include chancery, trespass, debt, and assault cases. Many district court records are on microfilm at the Family History Library.

Municipal courts, primarily 1900s:  These courts have city–wide jurisdiction, concurrent with district courts, over misdemeanors and minor civil matters. The Family History Library does not have these records.

Justice of the peace courts, 1839-present:  These courts have district–wide jurisdiction over minor misdemeanors, search warrants, and town or city ordinance violations. Some of these records are on microfilm at the Family History Library.

Supreme Court, 1838-present:  This is Iowa’s highest court, and is also a court of appeals. The Family History Library does not have these records.