Highest Court
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court consists of 7
judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Mandatory jurisdiction in civil, capital
criminal, criminal, administrative agency, juvenile, disciplinary, certified
questions from federal courts, and original proceeding cases. (2) Discretionary
jurisdiction in extraordinary writs (writs of review).
General Courts
District Court
The District Court consists of 17
judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Tort, contract, real property rights
($1,000-$7,000/no maximum [depends on whether appeal is from county court
or justice of the peace court.]), Exclusive domestic relations (except
for domestic violence), mental health, estate, civil appeals, and miscellaneous
civil jurisdiction. (2) Exclusive felony and criminal appeals
jurisdiction. (3) Exclusive juvenile jurisdiction.
No jury trials are overseen by this
court.
Limited Courts
Justice of the Peace Court
The Justice of the Peace Court consists
of 7 justices of the peace. It has jurisdiction over (1) Tort, contract,
real property rights ($0-3,000), and small claims ($3,000). (2) Misdemeanor
and DWI/DUI. (3) Moving traffic, parking, and miscellaneous traffic/other
violations. (4) Preliminary hearings.
No jury trials are overseen by this
court.
Municipal Court
The Municipal Court consists of
2 judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) DWI/DUI. (2) Moving traffic, parking,
miscellaneous traffic. (3) Exclusive ordinance violation jurisdiction.
No jury trials are overseen by this
court.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court consists of 24
judges. It has jurisdiction over (1) Tort, contract, real property rights
($0-7,000), small claims ($3,000), and domestic violence. (2) Misdemeanor
and DWI/DUI. (3) Moving traffic, parking, and miscellaneous traffic violations.
(4) Preliminary hearings.
No jury trials are overseen by this
court.
Additional Information
Rules of practice for supreme
court; effect of rules.
The Supreme Court may adopt rules
for the practice of court that should be consistent with the constitution
and laws of the state. These rules shall be binding upon the court, the
attorneys and parties involved with the Supreme Court as though they were
enactments of the legislature of the state. (Wyoming Statute 5-2-113)
Authority to contract for publication
of reports.
Wyoming's Supreme Court shall have
its opinions published. The legislature shall make adequate appropriation
to defray the expenses of publication. (Wyoming Statute 5-2-401)
Opening day in case of legal
holiday.
If the opening day of a term of
any district court is on a designated legal holiday, the following day
shall be the opening day of the term of the district court. (Wyoming Statute
5-3-104)
Simultaneous terms in same district;
calling in judge from another district
Two or more terms of court may be
in session in different counties in the same district at the same
time. A judge may call in other district judges in the state to assist
in court if the judge finds it impossible to attend any general or special
term of court. (Wyoming Statute 5-3-105)
Judges to hold court for each
other
The judges of the district courts
may hold courts for each other if a judge of a district court is unable
to do so. The called judge shall do so with the jurisdiction, power,
and authority possessed by the judge of that district court. (Wyoming
Statute 5-3-106)
Record of official actions
Each magistrate of the circuit court
shall enter a record of his official actions in a journal in the circuit
court. The entries shall be signed by the magistrate. (Wyoming Statute
5-9-204)
Justice of peace courts supplanted
and replaced
When a justice of the peace court
is removed, the circuit court shall supplant and replace the justice of
peace courts of the county and shall exercise the jurisdiction previously
exercised by the justice of peace courts. (Wyoming Statute
5-9-104)
