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Guide to Law Online: U.S. Delaware

Judicial

In Delaware, the judiciary has four general levels. The Justice of the Peace Courts and Alderman's Courts are the lowest level courts, focusing on cases involving issues like certain misdemeanors, small claims, and motor vehicle cases. The Court of Common Pleas is the trial court for civil cases totaling less than $75,000 and misdemeanors not handled by the Justice of the Peace and Alderman's Courts. The Family Court also hears specific cases regarding family and juvenile matters at this level. The next level consists of the Delaware Superior Courts, which have original jurisdiction in some criminal and civil cases and act as an intermediate appellate court for appeals from the Court of Common Pleas, Family Courts, and some state agency rulings, and the Courts of Chancery, which have jurisdiction related to equity cases. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.