Fountain Circuit Court

Stephanie S. Campbell, Judge

Circuit courts are the only trial courts mentioned in the Indiana Constitution, but the Constitution did not create circuit courts. The 1851 Constitution granted the General Assembly the power to create circuit courts. The General Assembly divided Indiana into circuits, based on county lines. Each county in Indiana has at least one circuit court. Indiana has 92 counties, and 90 of these counties comprise their own circuit, with their own circuit court. The remaining two small counties (Ohio and Dearborn Counties) have been combined to form one circuit.

When Indiana first became a state, circuit courts were the only courts in each county. Therefore, circuit courts traditionally heard ALL civil and criminal cases. Today, circuit courts continue to have unlimited trial jurisdiction, EXCEPT when exclusive or concurrent (shared) jurisdiction is conferred upon other courts. 

Jurisdiction of Indiana Trial Courts

Circuit Courts. Unlimited trial jurisdiction in all cases, except when exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction is conferred upon other courts.

Appellate jurisdiction over appeals from city and town courts.