Jackson County Court Records

Court records in Jackson County may be maintained in physical or electronic formats, serving to provide a comprehensive archive of legal proceedings. These official accounts may include the transcripts filed with the clerk, motions submitted by case parties, affidavits presented by parties or legal counsel, plea agreements negotiated between prosecutors and criminal defendants, dockets and calendars prepared by the clerk's office, evidence introduced in trials, and other pertinent documentation.

Moreover, court records uphold the judiciary's commitment to transparency, allowing interested individuals to observe what happens in a courthouse, learn about cases of societal relevance, and hold judicial officers accountable for their actions. Additionally, court records facilitate the appeals process, offer valuable information about a person's legal history, and establish precedents that can influence the outcome of future legal cases.

Are Court Records Public in Jackson County?

Yes, most court records are publicly accessible in Jackson County. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified in Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-61-1 through 25-61-19, maintains that public records created by or in the possession of a state or local agency, commission, or other government entity are public property. The Act defines a "public record" as all documentary materials, despite their physical form or characteristics, used, prepared, or retained for the conduct or performance of a public body's official function or duty. This description encompasses adjudicative (case) records preserved by the judicial branch in Jackson County.

However, the public's right of access is subject to several exemptions. Examples include:

• Attorney work product prepared for a trial or in anticipation of litigation
• Attorney-client communications
• Medical records
• Jury records
• Adoption records
• Expunged records
• Child abuse and neglect records
• Juvenile records

Jackson County Court Records Search

A Jackson court records search delves into the documents or files preserved during and after legal proceedings held within the county. This search can be performed at the courthouse in which a case was filed, using online remote access systems provided by the courts, or via a direct request to a court clerk's office. Additionally, members of the public can leverage third-party services to locate Jackson County court records.

Jackson County Court Records Search by Name

There are three primary criteria relevant to persons conducting court records searches in Jackson County: the name of a party to a case, the unique numerical identifier assigned by the court to a case (commonly called the case or docket number), and the date a case was filed.

Those possessing at least the last name of a case party and the location of the presiding court can visit during regular business hours to request corresponding records. They can also contact the court's clerk for records or check if the court provides an online database for viewing case records by name. It is important to note that a fee may be collected from the requester if they seek copies of a court document. This charge varies by court, the type of record, and number of copies demanded.

Jackson County Courts

Jackson County has a few different courts that resolve legal disputes or actions filed within the jurisdiction. Here are their addresses and contact details:

Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Fax: (228) 769-3262

Jackson County Chancery Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-1179
Fax: (228) 769-3367

County Court of Jackson County
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3181
Fax: (228) 769-3180

Jackson County Youth Court
4903 Telephone Road
Pascagoula, MS 39567-1823
Phone: (228) 762-7370, (228) 769-3076
Fax: (228) 762-7385

Justice Court of Jackson County
Jackson County Justice Court - Main
5343 Jefferson Street
Pascagoula, MS 39563-6242
Phone: (Tickets): (228) 769-3096, (228) 769-3097
Phone: (Civil): (228) 769-3086, (228) 769-3087, (228) 769-3417
Phone: (Criminal): (228) 769-3080, (228) 769-3387
Fax: (228) 769-3364

Jackson County Justice Court - West Office
6904 Washington Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564-2133
Phone: (Tickets): (228) 875-4125
Phone: (Civil): (228) 875-4153
Phone: (Criminal): (228) 875-4157
Fax: (228) 875-0525

Municipal Courts in Jackson County

Gautier Municipal Court
3329 Highway 90
Gautier, MS 39553
Phone: (228) 497-8004

Moss Point Municipal Court
4329 McInnis Avenue
Moss Point, MS 39563
Phone: (228) 474-3644

Ocean Springs Municipal Court
3810 Bienville Boulevard
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-5009
Fax: (228) 230-1899

Pascagoula Municipal Court
611 Live Oak Avenue
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 762-2424

Jackson County Superior Court Case Search

The Circuit and Chancery Courts in Jackson County, Mississippi, maintain subject-matter jurisdiction similar to that of a superior court in some other US regions. These courts hold general trial jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. The Circuit Court hears felony cases, civil actions over $75,000, misdemeanor cases, bastardy actions, civil and criminal appeals from the county court, and equity appeals from the county court. On the other hand, the Chancery Court presides over domestic/family matters, land issues, probate cases, and commitments of mentally disabled persons. The Chancery Court also shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Court over county court equity appeals.

To find cases heard in these courts, one may contact or visit the respective clerk's office. The relevant contact information is provided below.

Chancery Clerk
2915 Canty Street
Suite R
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239
Phone: (228) 769-3131
Alternate Phone: (228) 769-1680
Fax: (228) 769-3397

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998

Circuit Clerk
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998

Notably, the Circuit and Chancery Courts maintain online databases for accessing electronic court dockets and other case data, as well as viewing and downloading case documents. These portals are accessible 24/7 through the Mississippi Electronic Courts website. Users should choose the appropriate court from the dropdown menu and select "Go". However, a user login and password are required, and an annual $10 user fee applies.

Jackson County District Court Records

A "county district court" is frequently a court of limited jurisdiction established to adjudicate specific case types. This characterization may not always apply to all district courts across the United States—indeed, some retain general trial jurisdiction. Nonetheless, it holds true in many instances.

Jackson County has no "district" court by name, but it has three types of limited jurisdiction courts: the County, Youth, and Justice Courts. The county also has several municipal courts that hear ordinance, misdemeanor, and traffic violations within their cities. Municipal courts may also hold preliminary hearings in felony cases.

The County Court of Jackson County presides over misdemeanors, felony preliminaries, civil actions between $3,500 and $200,000, eminent domain proceedings, civil appeals from the Justice Court, and criminal appeals from the municipal courts.

The Youth Court of Jackson County is a division of the County Court that handles cases involving anyone under 18 who is a Child in Need of Supervision, Neglected/Abused Child, or Delinquent Child.

Finally, the Justice Court hears civil cases under $3,500; felony preliminaries; misdemeanors; citations from the Sheriff's Department, Constables, Highway Patrol, and Mississippi Department of Transportation; and citations from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Marine Resources.

To obtain case records from any of the Jackson County limited jurisdiction courts, one may stop by the presiding courthouse during business hours or contact the applicable clerk's office.

Note that the Circuit Court Clerk is the official custodian of case records from the County Court. Such records are also available for a fee through the Mississippi Electronic Courts website.

Jackson County Criminal Records

Members of the public seeking criminal records preserved by law enforcement should query the records division of a local police agency in the city of an arrest or criminal incident. There is no central Jackson County criminal records repository; each law enforcement department maintains records related to incidents that occurred within its jurisdiction. In other words, any record search will only reveal what is known to or on file at the queried agency. However, agencies charge a uniform fee ($15) to obtain a local criminal background check in Jackson County.

Any requester of a Jackson criminal records check must adhere to the applicable police department's records policy, which often involves submitting a written application, legible fingerprints, a valid photo ID, and a search fee at the agency's physical address. A mail request may also be accepted.

It is not possible to obtain a criminal background check on someone else. However, members of the public who wish to see Jackson county arrest information on those taken into custody can submit an open records request to the arresting agency or the local sheriff's office. Fees apply to obtain these public Jackson arrest records. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office also provides an Inmate Lookup tool for finding people in the county jail, and those looking for sex offender information can access the Sheriff's Sex Offender Lookup database.

Jackson County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Different courts in Jackson County hear criminal cases. As a result, the first step when wishing to view or copy records about a felony or misdemeanor proceeding is to identify the court that heard the matter. Subsequently, the party can visit that court during business hours or write a request letter to the court clerk's department. Each request should contain a sufficient description of the sought-after record, which may include the defendant's name, filing date, or case number.

If a criminal case was heard by the Circuit or County Court in Jackson, an individual can also explore the Mississippi Electronic Courts portal. User registration is required, however, and a fee must be paid before access can be granted to the system.

Get Jackson County Civil Court Records

Documents and information generated from civil actions or proceedings brought to the Jackson County judicial system are referred to as Jackson County civil court records. These actions include personal injury, wrongful death, domestic relations, election contests, property damage, torts, and eminent domain.

When looking for a civil court record in Jackson County, an individual can either stop by the courthouse where the matter was filed or query the court clerk's office as permitted. Online, mail-in, and in-person access may be available depending on the court, but fees typically apply to obtain copies of civil case records from a court.

Jackson County Family Court Records

In Jackson County, domestic relations or family cases (divorce, child custody, visitation, support, etc.) are adjudicated in the Chancery Court. Records from these cases are known as the family court records, and any member of the public may request them from the Chancery Court Clerk in person or by mail in the absence of an exemption.

Moreover, individuals can access family court records through the Chancery Court's website by selecting "Chancery Court Cases" (for case indexes), "Chancery Court Docket" (for court calendars), or "Electronic Court Public Access" from the left menu. The Electronic Court Public Access portal requires a user login, password, and fee to view filed documents and case information.

Family court records provide valuable information about cases involving families and children. The records can be used to enforce judgments or orders, challenge a court's ruling, and determine the rights and obligations of those involved. Given the sensitive nature of domestic relations proceedings, several records or information are removed from public access, usually to protect parties' privacy. Where exemptions exist regarding a family court file, access may be constrained to the case parties or their attorneys and those with a court order.

Jackson Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage cases fall under the Chancery Court's subject-matter jurisdiction in Jackson County. These cases involve married couples seeking to terminate their union and restore their individual statuses. To receive dissolution of marriage records in Jackson County, a person may contact, visit, or write to the Chancery Clerk's Office. It is important to include details that can aid prompt record retrieval, such as the divorce date or a case party's name. Requesters will also be expected to cover the fees for reproduction and postage (if required).

Jackson County Marriage and Divorce Records

Jackson County divorce records are available through the Chancery Court Clerk's Office for a fee. Additionally, persons unsure whether a divorce was finalized in Jackson County may seek verification through the Jackson Circuit Clerk's Office (if the case was finalized recently) or the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

The MSDH does not maintain actual divorce records—that responsibility rests with the Chancery Clerk. However, staff can perform a five-year search of county divorce indices from January 1, 1926, to June 30, 1938, and from January 1, 1942, to the present date. Each five-year search costs $17 and includes information such as the county of divorce and the book/page number of the record in the Chancery Clerk's Office.

On the other hand, people searching for Jackson County marriage records can query the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. One may contact this office by filling out its online form, or they may visit during official hours at 3104 Magnolia Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127.

When requesting a Jackson County marriage certificate from the Circuit Clerk, it is essential to include information that enables staff to fulfill the order, such as the spouses' names or the marriage date. Applicants will also need to pay for copies. The Circuit Clerk can be reached at (228) 769-3040 for record and fee inquiries.

Individuals can also order marriage records or request verification of the county where a marriage occurred from the Mississippi State Department of Health. The MSDH provides in-person, mail-in, and online/ phone methods for requesting such information. The department has detailed guidelines and relevant costs on its Marriage Records page.

Jackson Birth and Death Records

Jackson birth and death records may be obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health for a fee. The MSDH serves as the custodian of these Jackson County vital records and provides birth and death records filed in Mississippi from November 1912 to the present. Here's how one may complete an application for a birth or death record with the MSDH:

Jackson County Birth Records

Applicants can order a certified copy of a Jackson County birth certificate online, by phone, in person, or by mail. The first copy of a birth certificate from the MSDH costs $17, and each additional copy ordered simultaneously for the same person costs $6.

Online/phone requests are processed by the department's private vendor, require a credit card payment (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa), and come with an additional service charge. Those who wish to avoid extra charges may order by mail by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate and mailing the form, an acceptable photo ID, and payment (check/money order) to:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

Alternatively, one can stop by the MSDH's Ridgeland office during regular business hours to request a certified copy of a Jackson County birth certificate.

Jackson County Death Records

Individuals can order Jackson death certificates from the MSDH online, by phone, in person, or by mail. The department charges $17 for the first copy and $6 per extra copy ordered simultaneously.

Applicants can submit a request online or by phone through the department's vendor (additional charges apply), or they may submit an order in person at the MSDH's Ridgeland office or by mail. Mail orders require a completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate, a photocopy of a valid ID (driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, etc.)., and a check or money order for the appropriate fee.

As vital records, birth and death records fulfill distinct legal purposes. While birth records are primary identification documents, death records facilitate the administration and settlement of decedent estates, among other matters.

However, vital records are not public documents in Mississippi. Under the Rules Governing the Registration and Certification of Vital Events in Mississippi, only certain entities—those with a "legitimate and tangible interest"—can obtain the records. They include:

• The registrant, if of legal age
• A member of the registrant's immediate family (parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren)
• The registrant's legal guardian (with guardianship papers)
• The registrant's legal representative (with proof of representation)
• Licensed adoption agencies working under Miss. Code Ann. §93-17-205
• A person with a court order (a certified copy of the order must be provided)

Granted, in Mississippi, access to birth records is limited to qualified applicants for 100 years from the date of birth, and access to death records is capped for 50 years from the date of death. However, when that timeline expires, only genealogy researchers (with family ties or hired by family) are deemed to have a "legitimate and tangible interest" in receiving the records. They can only receive plain paper copies, not certified copies, however.

Jackson County Probate Court Records

Probate proceedings pertain to the administration and settlement of decedent estates. The Chancery Court in Jackson County handles such matters. To obtain these Jackson court records, an individual can utilize case search tools on the Chancery Court's website or contact/visit the Chancery Clerk's Office during business hours. Information such as a case party's name or case number may be required, and individuals will need to pay the applicable fees for their requests.

Jackson County Property Records

Property records in Jackson County present valuable information about lands and buildings within the county, including ownership, sales, assessment, tax, boundary line, and zoning details. These documents constitute a significant part of the Jackson County public records.

There are several places in Jackson County where one may inspect or copy property records. First is the Chancery Court Clerk's Office, which acts as the official recorder and custodian of Jackson Public Land Records, such as deeds, mortgages, leases, plats, powers of attorney, quitclaims, and liens.

The Clerk's Office at 2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239, is open to in-person researchers during normal business hours. Parties can also call the Chancery Clerk at (228) 769-3131, complete the Clerk's Online Contact Form (select "Land Records" under division), or submit a request letter by mail to P.O. Box 998, Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998.

It will be necessary to provide information such as a grantor/grantee's name, instrument number, document type, or book/page to conduct a search through the Chancery Clerk's Office. Further, the Clerk charges fees to release copies of documents. Generally, the office assesses 50 cents per page for each copy made by the Clerk or an employee and $1 for each certified document. Other charges for document research and copies are provided on the office's website.

In addition to the Chancery Clerk's Office, Jackson County property data can be accessed through the Tax Assessor's Office (which maintains property assessment records) and the Tax Collector's Office (which maintains property tax records).

Remote electronic access is also possible for interested property researchers in Jackson County. All aforementioned offices maintain free, publicly accessible databases that can be accessed with specific criteria to examine or print the county's land records.

Jackson County Court Records Online

Citizens have access to various resources to conduct a Jackson County court records search. Primarily, they can request these records from court repositories or utilize private public records services, also referred to as third-party aggregator websites.

Third-party websites, such as Mississippicourtrecords.us, make it easier to locate public records maintained across the United States, including court records from Jackson County. These websites are often searchable with a person's first and last name, and they offer the ability to search extensively for publicly available records pertaining to a specific individual. However, fees may be applicable when accessing detailed records, and users are advised not to rely on sourced information as a basis for legal action without further verification through official sources.