⚖️ Justice Court Clerk
Charlotte Capwell, Justice Court Clerk
Justice Court Jurisdiction
The Justice Court is primarily a court of limited jurisdiction, meaning it can only hear certain types of cases.
1. Criminal Cases (Misdemeanors)
Handles all misdemeanor criminal cases that occur outside the limits of any incorporated municipality (city or town) within the county.
Examples: Petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, etc., where the maximum penalty does not exceed a fine and/or time in the county jail.
Traffic Offenses: Hears and settles fines resulting from citations issued by the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Panola County Sheriff’s Department in the county’s unincorporated areas.
Initial Felony Proceedings: Justice Court judges perform crucial initial duties for felony cases, including:
Setting bail (bond) for the accused.
Conducting initial appearances and preliminary hearings to determine if there is enough probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court (Grand Jury).
Issuing search warrants.
2. Civil Cases (Small Claims)
Handles small claims civil cases where the amount of money or value of property in dispute does not exceed $3,500.
Examples: Disputes over debts, damages from personal injury (up to the limit), and the recovery of personal property.
Evictions (Unlawful Detainer): Presides over landlord-tenant disputes, particularly in eviction actions.
3. Other Duties
Marriage Ceremonies: Justice Court Judges are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
🧑💻 Justice Court Clerk
The court is administered by the Justice Court Clerk, a non-judicial employee appointed by the Board of Supervisors to handle the administrative and financial duties of the court, including:
Managing paperwork and court records.
Scheduling hearings and maintaining the court docket.
Processing and collecting fines, fees, and court costs.
Justice Court Judges are the only Mississippi judges elected in partisan races. Decisions made in Justice Court can be appealed to the County Court or Circuit Court.
Panola County Courthouse Sardis
111 Hospital Road
Sardis, MS 38666
662-563-6240
662-487-2080