Jackson County, Mississippi State Court Records
Jackson County court records serve as the official historical and legal account of all proceedings within the local justice system. These records include dockets, pleadings, motions, and final orders issued by a judge. The trial-level courts, including the Circuit, Chancery, County, Justice, and Municipal Courts, act as the primary custodians of these files. Clerks in each department create and maintain these records in strict accordance with the Mississippi statutes and specific state court rules. While these files focus on legal disputes or actions, they often intersect with other public documents, such as marriage licenses, arrest logs, and federal court filings.
Are Jackson County Court Records Public?
Yes. According to the Statement of Policy Regarding Openness and Availability of Public Records, most court records are public property and remain open for inspection by any person. This policy ensures transparency in the judicial process and allows the public to stay informed about local legal matters.
Many civil and criminal case files are fully accessible under court policy, but the law protects sensitive information through specific restrictions. For instance, records involving adoptions, youth court proceedings, and certain mental health commitments remain confidential to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. In addition, judges may order specific documents sealed, removing them from public view.
What Information is Available in Jackson County Court Records?
A typical court record provides a comprehensive view of a legal case. Readers can find general court dockets that list all parties involved, the nature of the suit, and a chronological history of every action taken. The records also contain original pleadings, such as complaints or indictments, which explain the legal basis for the case. Furthermore, these files include judicial orders, final judgments, and, in some cases, transcripts of court proceedings. Depending on the court, people can also find information regarding land titles, child custody arrangements, and probate matters.
Jackson County Court Records Search
Individuals can access court records through several convenient methods provided by the county and state.
Online Access
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system serves as the primary portal for viewing trial court records digitally. This subscriber-based service, known as MEC/PAMEC for the public, allows users to search dockets and view documents from any location with internet access. While most modern case types are available through this portal, some restricted or older cases may still require a physical search.
In-Person Access
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the various clerk’s offices provide public access terminals at the courthouses. During regular business hours, visitors can use these terminals to view electronic documents and docket sheets for free. Staff members in the clerk’s office can also assist in locating physical files that have not yet been digitized.
Mail and Phone Requests
People may also request records by contacting the specific court clerk’s office by phone or mail. When requesting documents by mail, individuals should include a written inquiry and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the records. Most offices require payment in advance via cash, check, or money order before they will process and mail copies.
Fees for Court Records in Jackson County
The county charges several types of fees to cover the costs of maintaining and reproducing court records. For online searches via the PAMEC system, the court charges 20 cents per page for search results, regardless of whether the user prints them. Physical copies made by a clerk typically cost 50 cents per page, while certified copies may incur an additional fee. There is also a $10 registration fee for creating a new account on the electronic system.
For vital records, the Circuit Clerk collects a filing fee of $37 for each marriage record prepared. Other vital records can be obtained from theMississippi State Department of Health.
Jackson County Courthouse Locations
The Jackson County court system consists of several specialized courts that handle different types of legal matters. The Circuit Court adjudicates all felony criminal cases and civil actions where the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000. The Chancery Court oversees family matters like divorce and custody, as well as estates, land disputes, and mental health commitments. The County Court handles civil claims of $200,000 or less and has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile matters through the Youth Court. Justice Courts handle small civil claims under $3,500 and misdemeanor criminal charges.
Jackson County Circuit Court
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3438
Fax: (228) 769-3262
Jackson County Chancery Court
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-1179
Fax: (228) 769-3367
County Court of Jackson County
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3181
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Jackson County Youth Court
4903 Telephone Road
Pascagoula, MS 39567-1823
Phone: (228) 762-7370
Fax: (228) 762-7385
Jackson County Justice Court - Main
5343 Jefferson Street
Moss Point, MS 39653
Phone: (228) 769-3086 (Civil)
Phone: (228) 769-3080 (Criminal)
Phone: (228) 769-3096 (Traffic)
Fax: (228) 769-3364
Jackson County Justice Court - West
6904 Washington Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-4153 (Civil)
Phone: (228) 875-4157 (Criminal)
Phone: (228) 875-4125 (Traffic)
Fax: (228) 875-0525
Gautier Municipal Court
3329 Highway 90
Gautier, MS 39553
Phone: (228) 497-8004
Moss Point Municipal Court
4329 McInnis Avenue
Moss Point, MS 39563
Phone: (228) 474-3644
Fax: (228) 474-2666
Ocean Springs Municipal Court
3810 Bienville Boulevard
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-5009
Fax: (228) 230-1899
Pascagoula Municipal Court
611 Live Oak Avenue
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 762-2424
Criminal Records Access in Jackson County
While the local courts provide access to case-specific information, they do not conduct official state-level criminal history checks. Those comprehensive reports are typically managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. However, the public can still research local criminal case records by searching the county’s court portals or visiting the clerk’s office in person. These local searches will show details on specific charges, court dates, and final dispositions for criminal cases filed in Jackson County.
Jackson County Probate Records
The probate court in Jackson County (Chancery Court) oversees the administration of decedents’ estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships to ensure the proper management of personal and financial affairs. The court’s records of these proceedings are known as the Jackson County probate or estate records. These documents provide a permanent record of the court’s actions regarding the property and welfare of county residents.
While many estate records (wills and other probate filings) are accessible online through the PAMEC portal, some older or highly detailed files may require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. Certain proceedings, such as mental health commitments or those involving sensitive minor information, remain confidential or restricted by law to protect personal privacy.
Jackson County Family Court Records
The Chancery Court handles the majority of family-related legal disputes in Jackson County, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and support matters. Access to family court records is available to the public through digital and physical means.
The PAMEC portal allows registered users to search dockets and view many documents remotely. For sensitive matters like adoptions or termination of parental rights, the law typically restricts access to protect the privacy of the parties involved.
Members of the public can also visit the courthouse to use public access terminals or speak with the clerk’s staff for assistance with locating physical files. Obtaining certified copies usually requires a formal request to the clerk’s office and the payment of specific copying and certification fees.
The County Court also plays a significant role in family matters through its Youth Court division. This court specifically handles persons under 18 who are delinquent, neglected, or in need of supervision.
Federal Court Records in Jackson County
Federal case jurisdiction for matters arising in the county typically lies with the United States District Court for theSouthern District of Mississippi. The court handles cases that involve federal laws, constitutional issues, or conflicts between parties from different states.
The PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system provides electronic access to public federal court records. This centralized service allows users to obtain docket and case information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts online. For those without internet access, the federal clerk’s office can assist with viewing documents or obtaining transcript information.
United States District Court
Thad Cochran United States Courthouse
501 East Court Street
Suite 2.500
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 608-4000