Court records in Jackson County, Mississippi, can be searched through several channels. JacksonMSCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Beyond that, official court resources maintained by state and county agencies, the clerk's offices at each courthouse, and public-access terminals located inside court buildings all provide ways to look up docket information, case filings, and hearing schedules.
Jackson Court System & Jurisdictions
Jackson County's court system is organized into several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court manages your matter will save time when searching dockets.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil suits exceeding $200, appeals from lower courts, and domestic-relations matters such as divorce, custody, and adoption. The Circuit Clerk maintains dockets and case files for this court.
- Chancery Court — Has jurisdiction over equity matters including property disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, wills, estates, and mental commitments. The Chancery Clerk is the custodian of these records.
- County Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal cases, civil actions, and preliminary felony hearings. County Court also handles eminent domain proceedings.
- Justice Court — Covers small claims (generally up to $3,500), misdemeanors, initial appearances, and certain civil disputes. Jackson County has two Justice Court districts.
- Youth Court — Manages delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases involving minors. Most Youth Court records are confidential under Mississippi law.
- Municipal Courts — The cities of Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Moss Point, and other municipalities within Jackson County operate municipal courts that handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and some misdemeanors.
For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody, the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search tool allows you to look up current incarceration status by name or MDOC ID number.
Jackson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Jackson County are typically published by each court's clerk office. Here is how to find upcoming hearing dates:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office — Call or visit in person to ask for the current trial docket and motion docket for Circuit Court cases.
- Contact the Chancery Clerk's office — Chancery Court hearing schedules are maintained by the Chancery Clerk. You can request the current calendar by phone.
- County Court and Justice Court — These courts typically post schedules at the courthouse or make them available upon request at the clerk's window.
- Municipal courts — Each city court maintains its own calendar. Contact the municipal court clerk for the relevant city.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office
Jackson County Chancery Clerk's Office
If you need to check whether a person is on parole in Jackson County, the MDOC parolee search allows searches by name, ID number, city, or county.
How to Get a Copy of a Jackson Court Document
You can obtain court documents from Jackson County courts through several methods, depending on the type of record and the court that holds it.
In Person
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office (Circuit Clerk for criminal and civil cases; Chancery Clerk for equity, probate, and land records).
- Provide the case number, party names, or enough identifying information for staff to locate the file.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature and are required for most legal proceedings.
- Pay the applicable fee at the clerk's window.
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include:
- Full case name and case number (if known)
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the estimated fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
Some Jackson County records may be searchable through the Mississippi state portal. For criminal background information, the DPS name-based background check service is available online for a fee. Sex offender information is accessible through the Mississippi Public Sex Offender Registry.
Restricted records: Youth Court files, sealed records, adoption records, and certain mental health proceedings are generally not available to the public. Expunged records are also inaccessible without a court order.
Jackson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Jackson County are set by Mississippi statute and local administrative orders. The following table lists common fees. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 – $5.00 per page | Varies by document type and court |
| Uncertified copy | $0.50 per page | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | $1.50 – $5.00 | Added to per-page copy cost |
| Record search (per name) | Varies | Contact clerk for current rate |
| DPS criminal background check | $32.00 | Online via DPS background check portal |
Accepted payment methods typically include cash, checks, and money orders at the clerk's window. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; ask the clerk before your visit. Mail-in requests generally require a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk of court.
Fee amounts are guided by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13 (fees of clerks) and related statutes. For the most current schedule, contact the Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk directly at the numbers listed above. You can also visit JacksonMSCourt.us for additional guidance on locating Jackson County court records.