- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
What are Mississippi Court Records?
Mississippi is home to an estimated 2.9 million residents and ranks as the 36th-most populous state in the United States. The state operates a two-tier appellate court system that examines decisions of law and facts made by the trial courts. Mississippi Trial Court comprises seven courts, while the Appellate Court has two courts. Several thousands of cases are filed and disposed of by the state's court system annually.
In Mississippi, court records include documents and information submitted or generated during court proceedings. Typically, they comprise documents submitted to the court to indict someone in a criminal case or file a complaint against an individual in a civil case. Other documents and information that make up a typical Mississippi court record include the following:
Case File
This contains official court paperwork for a case, including pleadings, indictments, motions, and pleadings.
Judgment and Order
This includes the directive of the court on any matter related to a case and the decision made by a judicial officer.
Docket
A summary of court proceedings with the complete history of a case
Evidence
Any proof submitted concerning a case at trial. It may be through exhibits, witnesses, or records.
Transcripts
A written record (word-for-word) of what was articulated at trial or other court engagements, including the spoken arguments of litigants' attorneys and the judge's decisions.
Brief
A written argument filed by a litigant's lawyer to support their client's case, stating why their claims should prevail.
Court Minutes
A written record of a court proceeding telling what happened during a court hearing, including stating the names of witnesses and attorneys that appeared, the motions made, and the court rulings.
Mississippi court records are largely open unless sealed by court orders or marked confidential by statutes per the state's Public Records Act. They are maintained by the clerks of court and available to the public upon request.
Types of Court Cases
The Mississippi court system generally has jurisdiction over two broad categories of court cases. These are civil and criminal cases.
Criminal Cases
Typically, criminal cases are initiated by the government against people or entities accused or alleged of committing a crime or violating a law. The accused person is referred to as the defendant, while the prosecutor represents the public interest. In any criminal case in Mississippi, the burden of proof is on the government (plaintiff). The public prosecutor must provide evidence to convince the court beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of a crime considered an act against the state.
If the defendant pleads guilty or is convicted by a jury or judge of the alleged crime after a trial, the judge will award a penalty, commonly known as a sentence. This may include paying a monetary fine or sentence, or both. The defendant may appeal the outcome of a criminal case after a trial if it does not favor them. Crimes commonly prosecuted as criminal cases in Mississippi are broadly classified as felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are the more severe ones and attract harsher sentences. Examples include larceny, burglary, rape, assault, arson, and murder. On the other hand, misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes, and they include prostitution, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence (first and second offenses).
Civil Cases
Disputes between individuals, government bodies, or entities are generally considered civil cases in Mississippi. Such cases start when an individual or entity petitions the court to protect a civil or private right. In other words, one party (plaintiff) files a suit against another (defendant) in a court of law to either ask for a court. In a civil case, the decisions made by the court are based on preponderance of evidence. In simple terms, the plaintiff must present evidence that is more persuasive to the jury or judge than the defendant's to prove their case. Commonly filed civil cases in Mississippi include matters arising from personal injuries, adoptions, contract disputes, professional liability suits, landlord-tenant disputes, breach of warranty on consumer goods, and marriage dissolutions.
What Are the Different Courts in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a two-tier appellate system, constitutionally created circuit, chancery and justice courts, and county, municipal and youth courts established by statute. The state general fund appropriated about $52.4 million for fiscal year 2026 to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and trial judges, with counties and cities funding most local court costs.
| Court Level | Court Name | Jurisdiction | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appellate | Supreme Court | Court of last resort; receives all appeals from trial courts | Decides appeals, assigns cases to the Court of Appeals, and handles rulemaking and judicial discipline |
| Appellate | Court of Appeals | Intermediate court hearing cases assigned by the Supreme Court | Resolves error-correction appeals and relieves the Supreme Court docket |
| General Jurisdiction | Circuit Court | 23 districts; felonies and civil actions over $200 | Felony trials, major civil lawsuits, and appeals from justice, municipal, and county courts |
| General Jurisdiction | Chancery Court | 20 districts; equity, domestic relations, estates, and land disputes | Divorce, custody, wills, guardianships, mental commitments, and property disputes, usually without a jury |
| Limited Jurisdiction | County Court | 24 counties; civil claims up to $200,000 and misdemeanors | Assists circuit and chancery courts, with a youth court division in counties that have one |
| Limited Jurisdiction | Justice Court | 82 counties; misdemeanors, small claims up to $3,500, and traffic outside cities | Initial appearances, preliminary hearings in felonies, small claims, and evictions |
| Limited Jurisdiction | Municipal Court | 239 city courts; municipal ordinances and certain misdemeanors | Traffic violations, ordinance violations, and misdemeanors within city limits |
| Limited Jurisdiction | Youth Court | Delinquency, abuse, and neglect matters involving minors | Handled by county judges, chancellors, or referees to resolve juvenile referrals |
How Many Federal Courts Are in Mississippi?
The state has two federal courts, namely the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. These courts hold jurisdiction over a matter under two major circumstances known as federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction. Federal question jurisdiction emerges when a case involves federal laws or the United States Constitution. Mississippi federal courts' diversity jurisdiction arises in civil cases involving citizens of different states when the amount in dispute is over $75,000. These courts also have jurisdiction over matters in which the federal government is a party within the state.
Judges serving on the United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Mississippi serve lifetime terms. They are typically nominated by the United States President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. While the Southern District has six judges, the Northern District is served by only three judges. Each federal district court in Mississippi has a special bankruptcy court that handles bankruptcy proceedings.
How Many Court Cases Are Filed Each Year in Mississippi?
Mississippi trial courts handle an estimated 570,000 new cases a year, with the state counting about 130,000 filings in its circuit, chancery and county courts in 2024 and about 55,000 youth court referrals, with justice and municipal court volumes estimated.
| Case Type | Annual Filings | % of Total | Common Offense/Subtype | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic | ~268,000 | ~47.0% | Speeding, seat belt, and licensing violations in justice and municipal courts | ~99% |
| Criminal | ~93,000 | ~16.3% | Felonies in circuit court plus misdemeanors such as DUI, simple assault, and theft | ~101% |
| Civil | ~55,000 | ~9.6% | Contract, tort, and debt actions in circuit and county courts | 92% |
| Small Claims | ~42,000 | ~7.4% | Justice court claims up to $3,500 such as debts and evictions | ~99% |
| Domestic Relations | ~35,000 | ~6.1% | Divorce, custody, child support, and modification actions in chancery court | ~105% |
| Juvenile | 55,044 | 9.7% | Youth court referrals for delinquency, abuse, and neglect | ~100% |
| Other | ~22,000 | ~3.9% | Estates, guardianships, mental commitments, and land matters in chancery court | ~105% |
| Total | ~570,000 | 100% | — | ~99% |
How Do I Look Up Court Cases in Mississippi?
The Clerks of Courts are the official custodians of court records in Mississippi, and they make such records available to the public upon request. Typically, information such as the type of case, case number, filing date, names of parties involved, name of judge and attorneys, and dispositions will be required to look up a Mississippi court case or record.
Information on several court cases in Mississippi is available online through the Mississippi Electronic Courts System (MEC). While the system also allows case filings by authorized persons, individuals interested in viewing filed documents and case information only need their PAMEC login and password to be able to access the information required. A few counties, such as DeSoto County, Scott County, Jackson County, and Hinds County, also have online case inquiry resources that allow interested persons to look up court cases filed with the courts in those counties. Some third-party websites also provide access to Mississippi court records online. However, it is important to exercise caution when using their services, as they may not have up-to-date information.
Interested persons may also find information on court cases in Mississippi in person or by mail. For in-person requests, one will have to visit the clerk of court in the courthouse where a case was filed. The clerk should be able to locate and retrieve such records if the requester can provide the necessary information. Similarly, a mail request may be sent to the clerk of court in the court and county where a case was filed or heard to obtain case information or court records. However, it is often advised to contact the office of a clerk of court to know their preference before sending a mail request for public court records.
Number of Active Judges — State & Federal
Mississippi's state judges serve on two appellate courts and a mix of elected and appointed trial courts, while two federal district courts cover the northern and southern halves of the state. State counts come from the judiciary's 2024 annual report and federal counts reflect current sitting judges.
| Court | Jurisdiction | Active Judges | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Highest appellate court statewide | 9 | Nonpartisan election by district to eight-year terms, with the Governor filling vacancies |
| Court of Appeals | Intermediate appellate court statewide | 10 | Nonpartisan election by district to eight-year terms, with the Governor filling vacancies |
| Circuit Court | General jurisdiction trial court for felonies and civil cases | 57 | Nonpartisan election to four-year terms, with the Governor filling vacancies |
| Chancery Court | Equity, domestic relations, and probate matters | 52 | Nonpartisan election to four-year terms, with the Governor filling vacancies |
| County Court | Civil claims up to $200,000, misdemeanors, and youth court | 34 | Elected to four-year terms |
| Justice Court | Misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic outside cities | 198 | Elected by district to four-year terms |
| Municipal Court | City ordinance and misdemeanor cases | 208 | Appointed by the city governing body, with some elected |
| U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi | Federal civil and criminal cases in Oxford, Greenville, Aberdeen, and Greenwood | 3 | Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving for life |
| U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi | Federal civil and criminal cases in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Natchez | 6 | Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving for life |
| Total Active Judges | — | 577 | — |
What Court Records Are Not Available to the Public in Mississippi?
While most court records are publicly available in Mississippi, certain court records are restricted from public disclosure either by law or if sealed upon request by a party to a legal proceeding. Typically, some court records are sealed or closed to the public by court order to prevent public access to certain sensitive, private, or confidential information. In many cases, personal/contact information of minors, juveniles, and vulnerable individuals, financial information, and mental health assessment reports in court records are usually exempt from public disclosure. Generally, juvenile records, adoption records, and divorce records may not be publicly available in Mississippi.
Average Case Processing Time & Clearance Rates
Processing times in Mississippi vary from a few weeks for traffic tickets to more than a year for contested civil and felony cases. Times below are estimated from statutory speedy-trial deadlines and general trial court practice, with clearance rates drawn from the judiciary's 2024 statistics.
| Case Type | Court Level | Average Processing Time | Description | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic & Parking | Limited Jurisdiction | ~1–2 months | Most tickets are resolved by fine payment or a plea, with contested cases heard by a justice or municipal judge | ~99% |
| Small Claims | Limited Jurisdiction | ~2–3 months | Summons, a short hearing before a justice court judge, and a judgment or settlement without a jury | ~99% |
| Misdemeanor Criminal | Limited Jurisdiction | ~2–4 months | Initial appearance and arraignment followed by a plea, dismissal, or bench trial in justice, municipal, or county court | ~101% |
| Civil Cases | General Jurisdiction | ~12–24 months | Pleadings and discovery precede settlement, dismissal, or trial, with many cases resolved before trial | 92% |
| Domestic Relations | General Jurisdiction | ~6–12 months | Uncontested divorces finish after a short waiting period, while contested custody and property cases need hearings | ~105% |
| Felony Criminal | General Jurisdiction | ~9–18 months | Grand jury indictment, arraignment, and motions followed by a plea in most cases, within a 270-day speedy trial window | ~101% |