How To Find Court Records In Mississippi

If you're looking for court records in Mississippi, you can begin your search directly through CourtCaseFinder. Our platform makes it simple to locate trial, chancery, circuit, and municipal court records from counties and cities across the state, when available.

Mississippi court records may include case information, filings, judgments, and other documents filed with the court system. By using CourtCaseFinder, you avoid the hassle of navigating multiple county or state databases. Instead, you enter the details you have, and the system brings results together in one place.

These records are important because they provide insight into legal proceedings and help you understand a case's status or history. Whether you know exactly what you're searching for or are just getting started, CourtCaseFinder streamlines the process and makes accessing Mississippi court records more efficient.

How To Access Mississippi Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder offers an easier way to search across multiple jurisdictions at once, you can also obtain Mississippi court records directly through official government services. Depending on your needs, records may be available online, in person at a courthouse, or by submitting a written request through the mail.

Online Access through Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)

The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system is the official online portal for accessing many of the state's court records and serves as the central hub for participating chancery, circuit, and county courts. Through the portal, users can search for cases, review docket entries, and download filings that would otherwise require a trip to the courthouse.

To use MEC, you must create an account on the Mississippi MEC Portal. Registration requires a valid email address and a small annual subscription fee. Once your account is active, you can log in and search for records by entering a case number, the names of parties involved, or an attorney's information. The system also supports wildcard searches.

However, not every court in Mississippi is connected to the system, so coverage may vary depending on the county or the type of case. Some records, such as sealed or confidential filings, are restricted by law and will not appear in the system.

In-Person Access at Court Clerk's Offices

You can visit the clerk's office in the court where the case was filed to request records. Each courthouse keeps its own files, so you need to go to the correct jurisdiction. Court addresses are available through the state judiciary's directory.

When you arrive, provide as much information as possible, such as the case number, the names of the parties, or the filing date. Court staff may direct you to public terminals to search for the record or retrieve the documents for you.

Requesting Records by Mail

If you are unable to visit the courthouse, you can submit a mail request to the clerk's office. Since fees and procedures differ by county, it is best to contact the clerk's office in advance to confirm what is required.

Mississippi Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In Mississippi, most court records are considered public under the state's Public Records Act. This law gives you the right to inspect or obtain copies of government records unless the information is specifically exempt from disclosure. Court records fall under this law unless a statute or court order says otherwise.

When you access public court files in Mississippi, you'll typically find the following information:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Names of parties involved and their attorneys
• Types and nature of the charges or legal claims
• Docket entries, orders, and judgments issued by the court
• Basic procedural history, such as motions filed and hearing dates

However, not every court record is available to the public. Some case files and documents are sealed by law or by court order. Information such as the personal details of law enforcement or court staff, identifying information about victims, and other sensitive data is also excluded from public access.

Who Oversees the Courts in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) is the agency that handles the administrative functions of both state and county courts. The office works under the authority of the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, who is the top administrative officer for the state's judiciary.

The AOC's role is to make sure that the courts operate smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Its responsibilities include monitoring case progress, helping courts manage their caseloads, and ensuring that civil and criminal proceedings move forward in a timely way.

The office also provides support to clerks and judges by collecting statistical information from trial and youth courts, preparing reports, and coordinating programs designed to improve court function.

Beyond these responsibilities, the AOC applies for grants, oversees technology and electronic filing standards, and carries out any additional duties assigned by the Supreme Court to improve court operations across Mississippi.

The office is managed by a director, who is appointed by the Supreme Court justices. The director supervises staff and implements the policies and directives set by the Chief Justice.

What Types of Courts Exist in Mississippi?

Mississippi's judicial system is made up of several different courts, each with its own jurisdiction and case responsibilities. Understanding how these courts are structured helps you know where a case begins, how it may move through the system, and which court has authority over specific matters.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	The state's highest appellate court and the court of last resort	Appellate cases from lower courts; direct appeals in high-profile legal and constitutional matters; handles specific cases directly, including death penalty cases, constitutional questions, election contests, bond issues, and broad public interest issues
Court of Appeals	An intermediate appellate court; hears cases assigned by the Supreme Court, primarily where the law is settled but facts are disputed	Appeals from trial courts
Circuit Courts	Courts of general jurisdiction	Felony criminal trials, civil lawsuits, appeals from lower courts, and administrative bodies
Chancery Courts	Courts of equity	Divorces, custody, adoptions, estates, land ownership issues, wills, and juvenile cases
County Courts	Limited jurisdiction; concurrent jurisdiction with justice and circuit courts; the judge may also act as a Youth Court judge	Juvenile cases, civil claims under $200,000, non-capital felonies, some criminal and civil appeals
Justice Courts	Courts of limited jurisdiction; handle civil cases involving amounts up to $3,500	Small claims, minor criminal and traffic matters, and initial felony processing
Municipal Courts	Handle misdemeanor violations of city ordinances and traffic laws; conduct preliminary hearings and initial appearances	City ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and some minor criminal cases
Youth Courts	Specialized courts focused on minors under 18; in counties without county courts, hearings are conducted by chancery judges or appointed referees	Cases of juvenile delinquency, child abuse, dependency, and neglect
Intervention and Treatment Courts	Problem-solving courts established within other jurisdictions	Drug-related offenses among eligible individuals, mental health-related offenses, and veteran rehabilitation

What Federal Courts Are In Mississippi?

Federal courts in Mississippi operate outside the state court system. While state courts handle violations and disputes under state law, federal courts manage cases under federal jurisdiction, such as federal statutory or constitutional issues, disputes involving different-state parties (diversity jurisdiction), and bankruptcy matters.

Below is a summary of the courts serving the state.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Mississippi	Serves the northern part of the state. This court hears federal civil and criminal cases.	Main Office (Aberdeen): Thomas G. Abernethy Federal Building, 301 West Commerce Street, Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 234-1971 Greenville: Post Office and Federal Building, 305 Main Street, Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 234-1971 Oxford: Federal Building, 911 Jackson Avenue East, Oxford, MS 38655 Phone: (662) 234-1971
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Mississippi	Covers the southern counties of Mississippi. It handles federal criminal and civil cases.	Headquarters (Jackson): Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, 501 East Court Street, Suite 2.500, Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 608-4000.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Mississippi	Manages bankruptcy filings and related matters for the northern counties. The main location is in Aberdeen, with proceedings sometimes held in Oxford and Greenville.	Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse 703 Hwy 145 North Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 Phone: (662) 369-2596 Hearing Facilities: Oxford Division, Federal Building, 911 Jackson Avenue, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 Greenville Division, Federal Building, 305 Main Street, Greenville, Mississippi 38701
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Southern District of Mississippi	Handles bankruptcy cases for the southern counties of the state. The court operates primarily in Jackson and Gulfport.	Gulfport: Dan M. Russell, Jr., United States Courthouse, 2012 15th Street, Suite 403, Gulfport, MS 39501 (228) 563-1700 Hattiesburg: William M. Colmer Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 701 North Main Street, Suite 200, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 255-6400 Jackson: Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, 501 East Court Street, Suite 2.300, Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: 601-608-4600 Natchez: 109 South Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Natchez, MS 39120 Phone: (601) 897-6945

Mississippi's federal district courts are subject to appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. This appellate court reviews decisions from federal district courts in Mississippi, as well as those in Texas and Louisiana, unless a case involves patents or claims under the Tucker Act.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Mississippi Courts?

Each year, Mississippi courts handle tens of thousands of cases across chancery, circuit, county, justice, and municipal courts. According to recent judicial reports and published caseload averages, the combined total of cases filed and disposed of in the state's trial courts regularly exceeds 128,000 annually.

The workload is distributed across different courts depending on the type of case. On average, chancery courts see the largest share of filings, followed by circuit courts, while county, justice, and municipal courts make up the remainder. Below is a general breakdown based on statewide averages:

Court / Case Type	Approximate Annual Volume
Chancery Court	~55,800
Circuit Court - Civil	~22,300
Circuit Court - Criminal	~17,700
County Court	~8,000

How Do I File a Case in Mississippi Courts?

Filing a case in Mississippi follows state procedure and court-specific rules, but the process is generally the same. Below are the main steps, where to file, how to prepare documents, and what to expect with filing fees.

Determine the Proper Court and Prepare Your Paperwork

Before filing, confirm which court will hear your case and gather the necessary documents. Most cases begin with a complaint or petition, along with the required Civil Case Filing Form.

You must follow the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure, which include time limits for serving the other party. For example, under Rule 4, service must be completed within 120 days of filing. Certain family-related cases fall under Rule 81 and use different summons requirements.

Choose a Filing Method

Most trial courts participate in the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, which allows e-filing. Attorneys are usually required to use MEC, but self-represented parties generally must file on paper unless a judge permits electronic filing.

If you are filing in paper form, you must deliver your documents directly to the clerk's office or, in counties that accept it, send them by mail. Be sure to provide the signed original complaint or petition, the required Civil Case Filing Form, and the appropriate filing fee to the clerk.

Pay the Filing Fee

Fees vary depending on the court and county. If you cannot afford fees, you may request to proceed in forma pauperis by filing a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with a Pauper's Affidavit.

Serve the Other Party

After your case is filed, the clerk will prepare and issue a summons. You must serve the other party within 120 days of filing. Service may be carried out either by the county sheriff or by a qualified adult who is not a party to the case.

The cost of service is regulated by statute, with sheriff's fees outlined in Mississippi Code section 25-7-19 (amounts can vary by county, so check locally for the current rate). Once service is completed, proof must be filed with the court to show that the summons and complaint were properly delivered.

Monitor Your Case

After filing and service, you can follow the case through MEC (if applicable) or by contacting the clerk's office. Some counties also post docket updates online.

How Is the Mississippi Court System Unique?

Mississippi's court system is notable for its emphasis on specialized courts, which are a formal and widespread part of its judiciary and address issues beyond traditional legal disputes.

Mississippi's intervention courts, which include drug and mental health courts, emphasize rehabilitation through treatment, supervision, and community support rather than traditional sentencing. Participants who complete these programs may have charges reduced or dismissed, with the state reporting lower recidivism and cost savings.

The state also takes a flexible approach to youth courts. In counties with county courts, the county judge serves as the youth court judge, while in other counties, chancery judges or appointed referees handle juvenile cases involving delinquency, abuse, and neglect. This system ensures youth matters are consistently addressed statewide.

Mississippi Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Adams
• Alcorn
• Amite
• Attala
• Benton
• Bolivar
• Calhoun
• Chickasaw
• Choctaw
• Claiborne
• Clarke
• Clay
• Coahoma
• Copiah
• Covington
• Desoto
• Forrest
• Franklin
• George
• Greene
• Grenada
• Hancock
• Harrison
• Hinds
• Holmes
• Humphreys
• Issaquena
• Itawamba
• Jackson
• Jasper
• Jefferson Davis
• Jones
• Kemper
• Lafayette
• Lamar
• Lauderdale
• Lawrence
• Leake
• Lee
• Leflore
• Lincoln
• Lowndes
• Madison
• Marion
• Marshall
• Monroe
• Montgomery
• Neshoba
• Newton
• Noxubee
• Oktibbeha
• Panola
• Pearl River
• Perry
• Pike
• Pontotoc
• Prentiss
• Quitman
• Rankin
• Scott
• Sharkey
• Simpson
• Smith
• Stone
• Sunflower
• Tallahatchie
• Tate
• Tippah
• Tishomingo
• Tunica
• Union
• Walthall
• Warren
• Washington
• Wayne
• Webster
• Wilkinson
• Winston
• Yalobusha
• Yazoo

Where to Find Additional Information About Mississippi Courts?

• Judiciary Courts of Mississippi
• The Mississippi Court System
• Southern District Court of Mississippi
• Northern District Court of Mississippi
• Judges in Mississippi
• Mississippi Court System: Criminal and Civil
• Mississippi Court of Appeals

FAQs