Introduction to the Long Island Courts
District Courts, located in Nassau County and the five western towns of Suffolk County, arraign defendants accused of felonies and handle misdemeanors and lesser offenses as well as civil suits involving claims up to $15,000.
City Courts arraign defendants accused of felonies and handle misdemeanors and lesser offenses as well as civil suits involving claims up to $15,000. Some City Courts have small claims parts, where matters involving claims up to $5,000 are handled, and/or housing parts, which handle landlord-tenant matters.
County Courts, located in each county outside New York City, have exclusive authority to conduct trials in felony matters, while sharing authority with local City and Town and Village Courts to handle trials in misdemeanor cases and other minor offenses. County Courts also have limited authority over cases involving claims for money damages up to $25,000.
The Supreme Court serves as a general jurisdiction trial court for major civil disputes—such as torts, contract conflicts, personal injury claims, real property actions (including ejectment), equity suits like injunctions, and matrimonial matters including divorce, annulment, and separation. It also handles Article 78 proceedings, which are used to challenge the decisions or actions of state or municipal agencies, such as zoning board rulings or administrative determinations.
The Surrogate's Court hears cases relating to individuals who have passed away, including disagreements about wills and the proper way to manage or divide the estate (total assets and liabilities). Surrogate's courts are also authorized to handle adoptions.