Court Type: Juvenile Court

This is a specialized court that addresses matters concerning minor children, such as certain types of child custody matters, criminal charges against minors (with exceptions), petitions to terminate parental rights, and petitions brought by parents against their “unruly” children. There is no right to a jury trial.

Not all counties have a separate Juvenile Court. In small counties, a Superior Court Judge may conduct Juvenile Court proceedings.

The Uniform Juvenile Court Rules apply to Juvenile Court. More rules governing Juvenile courts are found in the statutes that authorize Juvenile Court and the procedures and cases that can be handled by a Juvenile Court.

Juvenile Court Judges are appointed by the Judges of the Superior Court Circuit in which the Juvenile Court is located. They must be licensed attorneys. Their qualifications can be read here.

A Juvenile Court cannot conduct a Jury Trial. Appeals from Juvenile Court go to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court depending on the type of case or matter.