Alabama's circuit courts hear a variety of civil and criminal matters, while Alabama's district courts handle cases related to real property, torts, contracts, small claims, and civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $3,000 but is less than $10,000. Both circuit and district courts can hear adoption, child support and child custody cases, and other juvenile matters. Several cities have established Alabama municipal courts that handle violation of city ordinance and criminal cases. Alabama's probate courts have jurisdiction over estates, wills, name changes, and guardianship issues. Alabama's appeals court doesn't hear cases and only reviews decisions made by lower courts for legal or procedural errors. The Supreme Court of Alabama is the state's highest court and has the authority to review all decisions made by lower courts.
Other than juvenile court records, Alabama's court records are available to the public. Some Alabama court documents can be obtained via the state's Just One Look database (https://pa.alacourt.com/,) including those in criminal, civil, small claims, traffic, domestic relations, and child support cases. However, there is a charge for this service. To obtain copies of Alabama's public court records, contact the clerk of courts for the county you are seeking records from.