Michigan Courts and Jurisdiction

3 36th District Court Link

Michigan's busiest district court, located in Detroit (Wayne County). Hears misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, and small claims cases. One of the courts where No-Fault PIP disputes are sometimes litigated.

C Circuit Court Link

Michigan's trial court of general jurisdiction, organized by county. Circuit courts handle major civil cases (over $25,000), felony criminal cases, family law matters, and probate. Most personal injury, civil rights, and wrongful death lawsuits are filed in the circuit court of the county where the incident occurred. Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Kent County Circuit Courts are among the most frequently used in the state.

D District Court Link

Michigan's lower-level trial court, handling civil cases up to $25,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, and small claims cases (up to $6,500). Each county has one or more district courts.

F Federal District Courts in Michigan Link

Michigan has two federal districts: - Eastern District of Michigan (Detroit): Covers southeastern Michigan, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and other counties. - Western District of Michigan (Grand Rapids): Covers western and northern Michigan.

Federal district courts hear cases involving federal law (including § 1983 civil rights claims) and diversity jurisdiction cases.

M Michigan Court of Appeals Link

Michigan's intermediate appellate court. Hears appeals from circuit courts, district courts, probate courts, and most administrative agency decisions. Decisions are typically issued by panels of three judges. Published decisions are binding on all Michigan trial courts.

M Michigan Supreme Court Link

Michigan's highest court. Seven elected justices. Discretionary jurisdiction over most cases - meaning the court chooses which cases to hear. Michigan Supreme Court decisions are binding on all lower Michigan courts. The court issues decisions on significant legal questions of Michigan law.

P Probate Court Link

Michigan court with jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. In wrongful death cases, the personal representative of the deceased's estate is appointed in probate court before the wrongful death lawsuit can be filed.

S Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Link

The federal appellate court for cases from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Sixth Circuit hears appeals from the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. Its civil rights decisions are binding on all federal courts in Michigan.

S Small Claims Court Link

A division of Michigan district court for disputes up to $6,500. Parties represent themselves; attorneys are generally not permitted. Informal procedures. Not appropriate for serious injury claims.

This glossary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this glossary does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and Michigan statutes may be amended after the date this glossary was last updated. Always consult a licensed Michigan attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.