ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses specifically on criminal courts, and states may also have civil courts, family courts, probate courts, and a host of other limited jurisdiction courts. Subject matter jurisdiction refers to the type of case that can be heard in each type of court; this is defined by legislation. Courts must also have geographic jurisdiction over the case. The trial courts as represented on television may not be what you see if you go into a criminal court, since the majority of time, other things are happening. There are also a growing number of community courts, or problem-solving courts, which may be courts of limited jurisdiction, but more often are courts of general jurisdiction, meaning that they may handle up to and including felony criminal matters. Defense attorneys are favorite characters for television and movie script writers. The Missouri Plan is a merit selection process of appointing judges that involves a nominating process by statewide and local committees.
