There are a few key differences between circuit and district courts. For one, circuit courts have jurisdiction over federal cases while district courts have jurisdiction over state cases. Circuit courts also hear appeals from district court decisions, while district courts cannot hear appeals from circuit court decisions. Finally, circuit courts are presided over by a panel of judges, while district courts are presided over by a single judge.
What is Circuit Court?
Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction that hears both civil and criminal cases. In most states, Circuit Court is the highest trial court, and appeals from its decisions are typically made to the state’s supreme court. Circuit Courts also typically handle more complex cases than other courts, such as district or municipal courts. Cases that may be tried in Circuit Court include serious felonies, lawsuits involving large sums of money, and divorces. Circuit Courts are usually presided over by one or more judges, and jury trials are typically held in Circuit Court.
What is District Court?
- District Court is the principal court in each district in Hong Kong. It hears both criminal and civil cases and has original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction. The District Court also has a small claims division, which hears civil claims that fall within its monetary limit. District Court judges are appointed by the Chief Justice. District Court judges may preside alone or with a jury.
- District Courts are located in District Trial Courts buildings. There are nine such buildings, one in each of the districts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. District Courts have concurrent jurisdiction with the High Court in civil proceedings, except for divorces, which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court, and bankruptcy proceedings, which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court.
- District Courts also have concurrent jurisdiction with the High Court in criminal proceedings for offenses punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of HK$100,000 (or both). For more serious offenses, defendants must be committed for trial in the High Court. District Courts have no original jurisdiction over matters relating to landed property or trusts, and their decisions on such matters can be appealed to the High Court.
- Appeals from decisions of the District Court in other types of cases lie to the Court of Appeal. The District Court is subordinate to the High Court.
Difference between Circuit Court and District Court
Circuit Court and District Court are both trial courts of the United States federal court system. In general, Circuit Courts hear appeals from the District Courts located within their particular judicial circuit, as well as cases involving maritime law and other specialized matters. The Circuit Courts also occasionally hear cases en banc, which means that all the judges of the Circuit Court hear the case together, rather than having it heard by a panel of three judges. Meanwhile, District Courts are the trial courts of the federal court system and have original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. Each state has at least one District Court, and they are divided into 94 judicial districts. Circuit Courts are located in each of the 50 states as well as in certain territories. Finally, while Circuit Courts are appellate courts, District Courts are trial courts. This means that Circuit Courts hear appeals from District Court decisions, while District Courts hear cases first.
Conclusion
The Circuit Court is a trial court that hears both civil and criminal cases. District Courts are limited to hearing civil cases, with the exception of domestic violence and child abuse proceedings. If you have been served with legal papers or need to file a lawsuit, it is important to understand the difference between Circuit Court and District Court.
