Alabama Constitution Section 143 Jurisdiction of circuit courts
Here is the full text and a brief explanation of Section 143 of the Alabama Constitution, which outlines the jurisdiction of circuit courts:
📜 Alabama Constitution – Section 143
Jurisdiction of circuit courts
The circuit court shall have original jurisdiction in all matters civil and criminal within the state not otherwise excepted in this Constitution, and such appellate jurisdiction as may be prescribed by law.
🧾 Explanation:
Original jurisdiction means circuit courts can hear a case first, not just on appeal.
This includes both civil and criminal cases unless the Constitution specifically gives that jurisdiction to another court.
Circuit courts may also have appellate jurisdiction (reviewing decisions from lower courts), but this is defined by state law.
✅ Summary:
Circuit courts in Alabama are general jurisdiction trial courts, meaning they handle:
Major civil cases (e.g., lawsuits over money, contracts)
Felony criminal cases
Appeals from lower courts, if allowed by law
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