Scott County Court Records

Scott County court records are a documentation of all legal actions, including civil and criminal court cases within the county. Examples of court records include judgements, orders, liens, and bench warrants. Persons who obtain these records can expect to find case details, the litigants' names, and location. Access to court records ensures the public has access to veritable case facts.

Are Court Records Public in Scott County?

Yes. The public records policy of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), per the Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA), makes Scott County Court Records accessible to members of the public (§ 25-61-1). Any person can inspect, copy, or obtain a copy of Scott County Public Records upon request. However, access may be denied or restricted to certain persons under confidentiality (§ 25-61-11).

Examples of court records that are specifically exempt by law include the following:

• Records that constitute the work product of any attorney and are related to litigation initiated by or against the Mississippi Department of Corrections
• Victim Information
• Constitutional Law, State or Federal Statutory Law, Mississippi State Court Decision, United States Court Decision that declares a public record confidential, privileged or exempt
• Any and all records of a parole/probation field officer.

Scott County Court Records Search

Members of the public can conduct a court record search in Scott County through the following offices and resources:

• The Scott County Circuit Clerk Office
• The County Chancery Clerk Office
• The State of Mississippi Judiciary
• Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system
• Third-party public record websites.

Scott County Courts

The Scott County court system has five types of courts, including Circuit Court, Chancery Court, Youth Court, Justice Court, and Municipal Court. The following are the various courthouses and branch locations within the county:

Scott County Circuit Court
100 East 1st Street
P.O. Box 371
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-3601
Fax: (601) 469-5188

Scott County Chancery Court
100 East 1st Street
P.O. Box 630
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-1922
Fax: (601) 469-5180

Scott County Youth Court
100 East 1st Street
P.O. Box 630
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-1922
Fax: (601) 469-5180

Scott County Justice Court
P.O. Box 371
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-4555
Fax: (601) 469-5193

Forest Municipal Court
850 Park Road
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-4141
Fax: (601) 469-0893

Lake Municipal Court
P.O. Box 39
Lake, MS 39092
Phone: (601) 775-3552
Fax: (601) 775-3546

Morton Municipal Court
97 West 1st Avenue
P.O. Box 555
Morton, MS 39117
Phone: (601) 732-8609
Fax: (601) 732-7188

Sebastopol Municipal Court
P.O. Box 112
Sebastopol, MS 39359
Phone: (601) 625-7200
Fax: (601) 625-8538

Scott County Criminal and Civil Records

Public access laws in Mississippi can restrict the release of criminal records to third parties other than the record subject due to confidentiality. However, members of the public can retrieve certain information about a person’s criminal activity from Scott County Arrest Records and inmate roster. The Scott County Sheriff's Department handles all records on local arrests and inmates in the county. The Mississippi Department of Corrections also provides access to inmate information, primarily through public records requests.

According to Mississippi Public Record Laws, civil court records are public information. Some civil case information is on interpersonal disputes, intra- and inter-business rifts of a civil nature, and related conflicts.

Individuals may obtain Scott County Criminal and Civil Court Records from the Scott County Circuit Clerk Office in person or contact the office by email at scottcircuitclerk@scottcountyms.gov. Alternatively, one can retrieve online criminal and civil court records in Scott County, using the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) platform. It's a subscriber-based system that requires the user to register to log in.

Scott County Marriage Records

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, certain Scott County vital records are not open to the public and are restricted to eligible applicants. Examples of vital records include marriage, divorce decree, birth, and death records.

Scott County Marriage records are only accessible to the record subjects, immediate family members, and other legal representatives. The Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records Office allows individuals to order marriage records in person, online, by phone, or by mail. The fee to search for each marriage record and obtain a certified copy during application is $17. For additional copies ordered simultaneously, pay $6 per copy.

Alternatively, interested persons can visit the Circuit Clerk's Office to obtain copies of marriage records. For further information call (601) 469-3601 or email at scottcircuitclerk@scottcountyms.gov.

Scott County Divorce Records

Scott County divorce records are only accessible to individuals named in the record and their legal representatives. Eligible persons can visit the Scott County Chancery Clerk's Office where the case was adjudicated to obtain copies of divorce decrees. The Mississippi Electronic Court System also allows individuals to search for divorce records online.

Scott County Birth Records

There are various legal purposes for birth records which include verifying an individual’s identity and age. School, passport, and driver's license applications will require a birth certificate. Only eligible individuals such as legal guardians, siblings, and representatives can access Scott County birth records and certificates. The Mississippi State Health Department (MSDH) keeps all birth records from November 1912.

The MSDH Vital Records office allows eligible persons to order birth certificates in person, online, by mail, or by phone. For mail-in requests, eligible applicants can complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate. The application form contains instructions as well as requirements for obtaining birth records. A certified copy of the birth certificate is available for $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Mail the application with payment and copy of identification to Mississippi Vital Records.

Scott County Death Records

Death records can serve as a legal or public health document that can settle insurance claims and provide health data for mortality statistics. In Scott County, legitimate members of the public can request copies of death records.

All death records from November 1912 are available to applicants at the MSDH Vital Records office in person, online, by mail, or by phone. Applicants can complete the Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate, pay the necessary fee, and submit a copy of identification to the office to obtain death records and certificates in the county.

Scott County Probate Court Records

The Scott County Chancery Clerk maintains all probate court records, which include documentation on estates, guardianships, conservatorships, wills, and other legal proceedings. Individuals can access probate court records by visiting the courthouse or online through the Mississippi Electronic Court System.

Scott County Property Records

The Scott County Chancery Clerk handles construction and condominium liens, deeds, and mortgages relating to real property in the county. To obtain property records in the county, visit the Clerk's office at 100 East Main Street or send a request through email: tmiles@scottcountyms.gov.

Alternatively, the Scott County Tax Assessor keeps maps, records, and other documents to help determine the value of a property. Visit or contact the Tax Assessor/Collector's office to access documents on property taxes and assessments in the county.

The Delta Computer Systems also allows its users to search for real property appraisals, online property tax, and personal property tax information in Scott County. Users will have to provide details such as name, address, and parcel number to complete a search.

Scott County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like Mississippicourtrecords.us can offer easy ways to access Scott County court records. These websites are not limited by geographical location and can serve as a basis for conducting one-time or several record research. With a user-friendly interface, interested persons can search for specific court cases under different jurisdictions across state and counties.

These online resources also ensure that users can download court documents from the website at little or no cost, saving time and effort. However, it may cost more to obtain an elaborate court report. Furthermore, one cannot depend on the accuracy of the information made available on these platforms, as they work independently of any official government agency in the county.