U.S Courthouse process
A courthouse is a place that is home to local courts of law. Depending on where you are located the word courts will mean the same thing. Within the U.S. counties use the local trial courts to conduct business in. Most courthouses are located in the county seat. There are many functions a courthouse can hold. From judges using courthouses to officiate civil marriage ceremonies within there court chambers. Some courthouses are used for the main admin office for county government.
Courthouses in America are part of the American fabric and go back to the earliest 1720s. In fact, the oldest courthouse in the U.S. more specifically located in King William County, Virginia. It was constructed in 1725 and is still in use to this day.
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District courthouses
In the United States, every district court has a federally owned building that is used for the clerk’s office and to house courtrooms. The majority of judicial districts have been split up into different divisions.
This is because they have their own courthouses. Smaller agencies could have offices that are even in rented office spaces across from main courthouses.
Important of Clerk’s Office inside the Courthouses
The county clerk is responsible for many facets of courthouse operations. However, in terms of public records, the clerk is vital in documenting and storing these files for future use. The public relies heavily upon the court of clerks to be able to recall past court proceeding that is related to criminal records, court dockets, arrest records and more. The clerk’s office is always a great step when looking for historical records. Before going to the clerk’s office it is always a good idea to call ahead to find out what documents or other information you may need in order to obtain public records.
Probate office within a courthouse
When a person dies the probate records show the disposition of assets on that person. The documents will list different types of information about the person that has passed such as the family members, property data, and wills.
Courthouses and security
Almost all courthouses have layers of security checkpoints that a person has to clear in order to proceed. These measures are taking for all incoming people that enter inside a courthouse. It is common practice to have metal detectors before entering a courthouse, it is also practice not to have any recording devices inside courts for trials. Depending on where the courthouse is located added security could also be larger than in other areas.
Court records by state
Oldest courthouses in the United States
These are some of the oldest courthouses within the United States that are still currently active.
Virginia
This is the oldest in use courthouse in the United States.
Courthouse: King William County Courthouse
Built: 1725
State: Virginia
Website: https://kingwilliamcounty.us/government-overview/constitutional-officers/clerk-circuit-court/
New Jersey
Courthouse: Old Salem County Courthouse
Built: 1735
State: New Jersey
Website: N/A
Virginia
Courthouse: Hanover County Courthouse
Built: 1737 – 1742
State: Virginia
Website: N/A
Virginia
Courthouse: Charles City County Courthouse
Built: 1730
State: Virginia
Website: Charles City County
