Wayne County Circuit Court: An Overview
If you live in Wayne County, Michigan, and have legal matters that need to be resolved, you’ll likely end up at the Wayne County Circuit Court. The court has been serving the county since its establishment in 1802, and today it is one of the busiest circuit courts in the state. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Wayne County Circuit Court, including its history, functions, procedures, and notable cases.
History of the Wayne County Circuit Court
The Wayne County Circuit Court has a long and rich history that dates back to the early days of Michigan’s statehood. In 1802, the Michigan Territory was created, and Wayne County was established as one of the original counties. The circuit court was created as part of the territorial court system, and it has continued to function as a court of general jurisdiction ever since.
Over the years, the Wayne County Circuit Court has played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape of Michigan. Notable cases that have been heard at the court include the 1954 case of Brown v. Board of Education, which helped end segregation in public schools across the country.
Functions of the Wayne County Circuit Court
As a court of general jurisdiction, the Wayne County Circuit Court hears a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal cases. The court also has several specialized divisions that handle specific types of cases, such as family law, probate, and business law.
The Wayne County Circuit Court has a broad jurisdiction that covers the entire county, which is the most populous county in Michigan. The court is responsible for resolving disputes and enforcing laws, as well as protecting the rights of individuals and families in the community.
Procedures at the Wayne County Circuit Court
If you have a legal matter that needs to be resolved in Wayne County, you’ll need to understand the procedures and rules that govern the court. The first step is to file your case with the court, which can be done online or in person at the courthouse.
Once your case is filed, it will be assigned to a judge who will oversee the proceedings. The court will then schedule a series of hearings and conferences to help resolve the matter. If a trial is necessary, the court will hear arguments from both sides and make a decision based on the evidence presented.
Notable Cases at the Wayne County Circuit Court
Over the years, the Wayne County Circuit Court has heard many notable cases that have had a significant impact on Michigan and the nation as a whole. Some of these cases include:
- Brown v. Board of Education: As mentioned earlier, this landmark case helped end segregation in public schools across the country. The case was originally filed in Topeka, Kansas, but was later combined with similar cases from other states, including Michigan.
- The Coleman Young Corruption Trial: Coleman Young was the first African American mayor of Detroit, and he was charged with bribery and corruption in the 1980s. The trial was closely watched by the media and the public, and Young was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
- The Kwame Kilpatrick Corruption Trial: Kilpatrick was another Detroit mayor who was charged with corruption in the 2000s. He was found guilty of several charges and was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Wayne County Circuit Court Case Lookup
If you need to look up information about a case that is being heard in the Wayne County Circuit Court, you can use the court’s online case lookup tool. This tool allows you to search for cases by case number, party name, or attorney name and provides you with access to basic case information, including the case’s status and hearing schedule.
To use the case lookup tool, simply visit the Wayne County Circuit Court website and click on the “Case Search” link. From there, you can enter the search criteria and view the results. If you need more detailed information about a case, such as copies of court documents, you may need to contact the court directly or work with an attorney.
Wayne County Circuit Court Address
The Wayne County Circuit Court is located at 1441 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48226. The courthouse is easily accessible by public transportation and has ample parking available for those who need to drive. When you arrive at the courthouse, be sure to allow plenty of time to go through security and find your way to the appropriate courtroom.
Wayne County Court Case Lookup
In addition to the Wayne County Circuit Court, there are also several other courts in Wayne County, Michigan, that you may need to access for case lookup purposes. These include the Wayne County Probate Court, the Wayne County District Court, and the Wayne County Family Court. Each of these courts has its own case lookup tool, which can be accessed online.
Wayne County Circuit Court Judges
The Wayne County Circuit Court is presided over by a group of judges who are appointed or elected to serve on the court. These judges are responsible for hearing and deciding cases within their assigned jurisdiction, and each judge brings their own unique background and expertise to the court.
The current judges of the Wayne County Circuit Court are:
- Timothy M. Kenny, Chief Judge
- Prentis Edwards Jr., Chief Judge Pro Tem
- Craig S. Strong, Chief Judge Pro Tem
Wayne County District Court
The Wayne County District Court is a lower court that handles a wide range of civil and criminal cases, including traffic violations, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. The court is divided into several divisions, each of which is presided over by a judge who is responsible for hearing and deciding cases within that division.
To look up information about a case that is being heard in the Wayne County District Court, you can use the court’s online case lookup tool. This tool allows you to search for cases by case number, party name, or attorney name and provides you with access to basic case information, including the case’s status and hearing schedule
Wayne County Circuit Court Judges
The Wayne County Circuit Court has a total of 61 judges who hear both criminal and civil cases. Each judge is elected for a term of six years and is responsible for upholding the law and making decisions based on the evidence presented in the cases. The judges of the Wayne County Circuit Court are respected for their knowledge and experience in the field of law and are responsible for ensuring that justice is served fairly and impartially.
Wayne County District Court
The Wayne County District Court is the trial court of limited jurisdiction in Wayne County. It has jurisdiction over civil infractions, misdemeanors, and preliminary examinations in felony cases. The court is divided into seven divisions, with a total of 31 judges who preside over cases. The Wayne County District Court is known for its efficient and effective handling of cases and is committed to providing justice for all.
Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk
The Wayne County Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining the records of the court and ensuring that they are accessible to the public. The Clerk’s Office is located in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit provides a range of services to the public, including case search, document retrieval, and record certification. The Clerk’s Office also provides support to the judges of the court and is responsible for the administration of oaths and other duties as required.
Wayne County Circuit Court Phone Number
The Wayne County Circuit Court can be reached by phone at (313) 224-5261. This number can be used to obtain information about the court, including case search, case status, and other general information. The court can also be reached by email or through its website, which provides a range of services and information to the public.
3rd Circuit Court Case Lookup
The 3rd Circuit Court Case Lookup is an online service provided by the Wayne County Circuit Court that allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or other criteria. The service is free to use and provides access to a wide range of information about cases, including case status, case documents, and hearing dates. The 3rd Circuit Court Case Lookup is a useful tool for anyone who needs to obtain information about a case in the Wayne County Circuit Court.
Conclusion
The Wayne County Circuit Court is a vital institution that serves the people of Wayne County by resolving legal disputes and upholding the law. Its long and distinguished history, as well as its many notable cases, have made it a crucial part of Michigan’s legal system. Whether you are facing a civil or criminal matter, the Wayne County Circuit Court is there to help you seek justice.
FAQs
- What types of cases does the Wayne County Circuit Court handle?
- The Wayne County Circuit Court handles a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal cases, as well as specialized cases such as family law, probate, and business law.
- How do I file a case with the Wayne County Circuit Court?
- You can file a case with the Wayne County Circuit Court by visiting the courthouse in person or by filing online. You will need to follow the specific procedures and rules that apply to your particular case.
- Who presides over cases at the Wayne County Circuit Court?
- Cases at the Wayne County Circuit Court are presided over by judges who are appointed or elected to serve on the court. Each judge is responsible for hearing and deciding cases within their assigned jurisdiction.
- How long does it take for a case to be resolved at the Wayne County Circuit Court?
- The length of time it takes for a case to be resolved at the Wayne County Circuit Court can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of cases already pending before the court. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take months or even years.
- What should I do if I need legal assistance in Wayne County?
- If you need legal assistance in Wayne County, you may wish to contact an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Michigan. You can also contact the Wayne County Bar Association for a referral to a local attorney.
