| The trial courts of superior jurisdiction are
the Supreme Courts, the Court of Claims, the Family Courts,
the Surrogate’s Courts and, outside New York City, the
County Courts. In New York City, the Supreme Court exercises
both civil and criminal jurisdiction. Outside New York City,
Supreme Court exercises civil jurisdiction, while County Court
generally handles criminal matters.
The trial courts of limited jurisdiction in New York City
are the NYC Civil Court and the NYC Criminal Court. Outside
New York City, the trial courts of limited jurisdiction are
the City Courts, which have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanors
and lesser offenses, and civil jurisdiction over claims of
up to $15,000. There are District Courts in Nassau County
and parts of Suffolk County. District Courts have criminal
jurisdiction over misdemeanors and lesser offenses, and civil
jurisdiction over claims of up to $15,000. |
