Each District Judge, County Court-at-Law Judge and Justice of the Peace in Smith County are in charge of their own dockets and attorneys and litigants should contact their specific court with any questions regarding non-jury court activities. 

Specific questions about judicial proceedings should be directed to each Court where a case is pending.

If you have questions about your court case setting, please call the specific court.

General Information

The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas.

The geographical area served by each court is established by the legislature, but each county must be served by at least one district court. 

Smith County currently has five District Courts. The 321st District Court is designated to hear only family law cases, while the other four District Courts hear only civil and criminal matters. The 475th District Court also hears juvenile cases.

District courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount in controversy (the amount of money or damages involved) is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court.

While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters. The Texas Judicial System, Office of Court Administration (March 2005).