This guide will explain how to find Delaware court records and how to perform a search to find public records data. Finding court records can be a challenge if you do not know where to look. This guide will explain where to search to make the process much easier. Delaware court records can be found online or in person if you are from the Delaware area and can visit the courthouse directly. This guide will give you a complete understanding of the court systems in Delaware along with statistics of the courts. Let’s get started.
Delaware Court Statistics
The below statistics are from Delaware.org Annual Report.
104,205
Court of Common Pleas Civil and Criminal Filings (2017)
20,316
Superior Court Civil and Criminal Filings (2017)
48,834
Family Court Civil and Criminal Filings (2017)
96,630
Court of Common Pleas Criminal Filings (2017)
How to find Delaware court records?
One of the quickest ways to find court records, criminal records, and more is to use a search service. The service works by searching a first and last name against federal, state, and county sources. Reports are easy-to-read and can be accessed from any device. Try running a public records search below.
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Delaware courts
There are levels and structures to court systems within the United States, Delaware is no exception. Within Delaware, you have the Supreme Court, Court of Chancery, Superior courts, Family Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, Justice of the Peace, and other related judicial agencies. Within this structure, the Supreme Court is the highest court you can get to with the Justice of the Peace Court at the base.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court is the highest level of the courts within Delaware. It is the State’s appellate court and receives appeals directly from the court of Chancery, Superior Court, and Family Courts. This court was created by the Constitution of Delaware and resides in Dover, however, justices maintain their chambers within the counties they reside in.
Court of Chancery
All matters relating to equity falls under the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery. These courts deal with corporate issues, estates, trusts, and other types of fiduciary matters, real estate, land, as well as commercial matters. Appeals from this court may be taken to the Supreme Court.
Superior Court
This court has general jurisdiction and has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, with the exception of equity cases. These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over almost all drug offenses and over felony cases. When talking about civil matters, there is no monetary maximum. The Superior court will also hear appeals from the Court of Common Pleas and Family Courts in criminal cases.
Family Courts
These courts have a wide jurisdiction over all family and juvenile matters. All juvenile delinquency and civil appeals will go right to the Supreme Court. If it is a criminal matter that will be appealed to the Superior Courts.
Courts of Common Pleas
When amounts do not exceed $50,000 in civil cases the Courts of Common Pleas has jurisdiction. Criminal cases like misdemeanors are also handled by these courts. Except for certain drug-related offenses or traffic violations. Appeals from this court may be brought to the Superior courts.
Justice of the Peace Courts
This is the entry level court system within Delaware for most people. They hear court cases over civil disputes that are less then $15,000. If it is a criminal case they will hear certain misdemeanors and motor vehicle cases that exclude felonies.
Civil Case Search in Delaware
These will help when performing a Delaware court records search online. The justice of the peace, the Superior Court, and the Court of Common Pleas offer the ability to search civil case data online through CourtConnect. These searches can be done a first and last name, business name or case type.
Delaware state CourtConnect can help you search the Judicial case database for court records. Click here to get started.
Delaware Court Statistics
The full annual report for 2017 can be found by going here.
