Hinds County Court Records
What Is Hinds County Court Records
Hinds County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by courts operating within Hinds County, Mississippi. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other types of public records maintained by government agencies, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In Hinds County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:
- Hinds County Circuit Court
- Hinds County Chancery Court
- Hinds County Justice Court
- Hinds County Youth Court
- Municipal Courts (Jackson, Clinton, Raymond, etc.)
These records document proceedings across various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. According to Mississippi Code § 25-61-3, court records are considered public records and defined as "all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed or retained for use in the conduct, transaction or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty or function of any public body."
Are Court Records Public In Hinds County
Court records in Hinds County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Mississippi's Public Records Act. According to Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, "all public records are hereby declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record of a public body in accordance with reasonable written procedures adopted by the public body."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile records (except in limited circumstances)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
- Grand jury proceedings
It's important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (which includes Hinds County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws. The Mississippi Supreme Court Rules provide additional guidance on public access to court records within the state court system.
How To Find Court Records in Hinds County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Hinds County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the court and record type sought.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse:
Hinds County Circuit Clerk's Office
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hinds County Circuit Clerk
When requesting records in person:
- Bring identification
- Know the case number or party names
- Be prepared to complete a records request form
- Bring payment for any applicable copy fees
For written requests, submit a detailed letter including:
- Specific case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
The Circuit Clerk's office processes requests for Circuit and County Court records, while Chancery Court records must be requested through:
Hinds County Chancery Clerk's Office
316 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6507
Hinds County Chancery Clerk
For Justice Court records, contact:
Hinds County Justice Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 973-5100
Hinds County Justice Court
Municipal court records must be requested directly from the respective municipal court where the case was heard.
How To Look Up Court Records in Hinds County Online?
Hinds County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits, though the availability of records varies by court and case type.
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system serves as the primary online portal for accessing Circuit and Chancery Court records in Hinds County. To utilize this system:
- Visit the Mississippi Electronic Courts website
- Register for an account if you don't already have one
- Select "Hinds County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose the appropriate court (Circuit or Chancery)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select desired records
- Pay any applicable fees for document access
For criminal case information, the Mississippi Court Information System (MCIS) provides a searchable database:
- Navigate to the MCIS Public Access portal
- Select "Criminal Case Search"
- Choose Hinds County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review results for basic case information
Municipal court records may be available through individual city websites. For Jackson Municipal Court records:
- Visit the Jackson Municipal Court website
- Select "Case Search"
- Enter citation number or defendant name
- Follow prompts to view available information
Users should note that online access may be limited to basic case information, with full document access requiring in-person requests or additional fees. Additionally, certain sensitive or sealed records will not appear in online searches.
How To Search Hinds County Court Records for Free?
Mississippi law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, "Each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records." This provision ensures that while copying fees may apply, viewing records remains free.
Free options for accessing Hinds County court records include:
-
In-person inspection at the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours:
- Circuit and County Court records at the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Chancery Court records at the Chancery Clerk's Office
- Justice Court records at the Justice Court Clerk's Office
-
Basic case information searches through the Mississippi Electronic Courts Public Access portal, which provides free access to:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Judge assignments
- Upcoming hearing dates
-
The Mississippi Judiciary Case Search offers free basic information for many state court cases.
-
The Hinds County Justice Court Online Records Search provides free access to basic case information for justice court matters.
While viewing records is free, obtaining copies typically incurs fees (generally $1.00 per page for standard copies). Additionally, certified copies of court documents carry higher fees as established by state statute.
What's Included in a Hinds County Court Record?
Hinds County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type and court, but typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail/bond information
- Defendant's plea
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Discovery documents (may be restricted)
- Witness lists
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Verdict or plea agreement
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Family Law Cases:
- Petition for divorce or custody
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be restricted)
- Final decree or judgment
- Post-judgment modifications
For Probate Cases:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Final decree closing the estate
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case's procedural history.
How Long Does Hinds County Keep Court Records?
Hinds County adheres to the Mississippi Records Retention Schedule established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-59-1. This schedule mandates specific retention periods for various court documents.
Key retention periods include:
For Circuit Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Civil case files: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: Permanently maintained
- Adoption records: Permanently maintained
- Docket books: Permanently maintained
- Minute books: Permanently maintained
- Judgment rolls: Permanently maintained
For Chancery Court Records:
- Estate proceedings: Permanently maintained
- Land records: Permanently maintained
- Mental commitment proceedings: Permanently maintained
- Divorce records: Permanently maintained
- Child custody cases: Permanently maintained
- Docket books: Permanently maintained
For Justice Court Records:
- Criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 7 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Docket books: 10 years
For Municipal Court Records:
- Criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Docket books: 10 years
Under current law, many historically significant records are now permanently preserved through digitization efforts, even after physical copies may be destroyed according to the retention schedule. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History provides oversight for the preservation of court records with historical value.
Types of Courts In Hinds County
Hinds County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority. The county's court structure follows Mississippi's state court hierarchy.
Hinds County Circuit Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hinds County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is Hinds County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. Hinds County is in the Seventh Circuit Court District.
Hinds County Chancery Court
316 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6507
Hinds County Chancery Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Chancery Court handles equity matters including divorces, child custody, estates, guardianships, mental commitments, property disputes, and juvenile matters. Hinds County is in the Fifth Chancery Court District.
Hinds County Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6657
Hinds County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Court handles civil cases up to $200,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and shares juvenile jurisdiction with the Youth Court.
Hinds County Justice Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 973-5100
Hinds County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Justice Court handles civil cases up to $3,500, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
Jackson Municipal Court
327 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 960-1279
Jackson Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic violations occurring within city limits.
Clinton Municipal Court
305 Monroe Street
Clinton, MS 39056
(601) 924-5252
Clinton Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Appeals from these lower courts proceed to the Circuit Court, then to the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and finally to the Mississippi Supreme Court for cases of significant legal importance.
What Types of Cases Do Hinds County Courts Hear?
Hinds County's various courts adjudicate specific case types according to their statutory jurisdiction. Each court within the county's judicial system handles distinct legal matters as prescribed by Mississippi law.
Circuit Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $200,000
- Appeals from County, Justice, and Municipal Courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Title disputes
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability lawsuits
- Complex commercial litigation
- Jury trials (both civil and criminal)
Chancery Court cases include:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and support matters
- Adoptions
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Property disputes
- Land partitions
- Mental commitment proceedings
- Juvenile matters (as Youth Court)
County Court cases include:
- Civil lawsuits between $3,500 and $200,000
- Misdemeanor criminal prosecutions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims (under specialized procedures)
- Juvenile matters (shared with Youth Court)
Justice Court cases include:
- Civil lawsuits up to $3,500
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Small claims
- Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
- Peace bonds
Municipal Court cases include:
- City ordinance violations
- Misdemeanor crimes occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Preliminary hearings for felonies committed within city limits
- Code enforcement violations
This distribution of case types ensures that matters are heard by courts with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise. The hierarchical structure allows for appeals of lower court decisions to be reviewed by higher courts when necessary.
How To Find a Court Docket In Hinds County
Court dockets in Hinds County provide the official schedule of cases to be heard and serve as a chronological index of all filings and proceedings in each case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods.
For in-person docket searches:
- Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court
- Provide the case number or party names to the clerk
- Request to view the docket sheet or hearing schedule
- Review the information on-site or request copies (fees may apply)
For online docket searches:
-
Circuit and Chancery Court dockets:
- Visit the Mississippi Electronic Courts website
- Select "Public Access"
- Choose Hinds County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
- Review docket information for matching cases
-
Justice Court dockets:
- Access the Hinds County Justice Court Records Search
- Enter defendant name or case number
- View basic docket information for scheduled hearings
-
Municipal Court dockets (Jackson):
- Visit the Jackson Municipal Court website
- Select "Case Search"
- Enter citation number or defendant name
- View upcoming court dates and case status
For telephone inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office directly
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request specific docket information
- Note that detailed information may require in-person visits
Court dockets typically include:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Judge assignment
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- List of documents filed
- Orders issued
- Case status
Current dockets for upcoming hearings are generally posted in the courthouse and may be available on the court's website. For specialized dockets (such as drug court or veterans court), contact the specific program coordinator for schedule information.
Which Courts in Hinds County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Mississippi's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a complete, verbatim record of its proceedings, including testimony and evidence presented. According to Mississippi Code § 9-7-81, courts of record must maintain official transcripts and documentation of all proceedings.
The following Hinds County courts are not courts of record:
-
Justice Courts
- While Justice Courts maintain dockets and basic case information, they do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Cases appealed from Justice Court receive a completely new trial (trial de novo) in Circuit Court
- Justice Courts handle civil cases up to $3,500, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings
-
Municipal Courts
- Including Jackson Municipal Court, Clinton Municipal Court, and other city courts
- These courts maintain basic records but not complete transcripts
- Appeals from Municipal Courts receive a new trial in County or Circuit Court
- Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic cases
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record has significant implications for appeals. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is heard anew in the higher court, with no deference given to the lower court's findings. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, where the appellate court reviews the existing record for errors of law or procedure.
Courts of record in Hinds County include:
- Circuit Court
- Chancery Court
- County Court
- Youth Court
These courts maintain complete records of all proceedings, including court reporter transcripts when requested. Appeals from these courts to the Mississippi Court of Appeals or Supreme Court are based on the official record created during the original proceedings.