resort.

The judges of the Court of Appeals are elected by the people for a
term of eight years, commencing on the first Monday in January
succeeding their election.

The cases tried before the Court of Appeals are usually appealed to it
from the lower courts.

There are certain classes of cases that come before the Court of
Appeals for first trial in which is involved the question of official
action of State officers.

CIRCUIT COURT.

The circuit judge holds this court first in one county and then in
another until the circuit of the counties which compose his district
is completed.

Circuit court is held in the court house of the county seat two or
three times a year, presided over by the judge of that district
elected by the voters. (In case of a vacancy the Governor of the State
appoints some lawyer to fill his place.) The majority of important
cases are tried in this court, because a jury trial may always be had
in the circuit court.

The Constitution of the United States provides that every man or woman
shall have the right to trial by jury in all criminal cases, and in
civil cases involving a sum of more than $20.00.

Twelve citizens known as a grand jury usually meet at the time the
circuit court convenes. All violations of law are investigated, and
persons found guilty are indicted by the grand jury.

COUNTY COURT.

The county court is held at the county seat of every county and is
presided over by the county judge. The county judge is elected by the
voters of the county.

In this court civil suits are tried in which the sum involved is not
over $200.00. It tries the more important cases which do not come
before the justice of the peace court, or city police court.

The county judge's office is the most important office in the county.
He probates wills and appoints executors, administrators, and
guardians. He is the head of the fiscal court which looks after all
the material interests of the county, as construction of roads, care
of paupers and the general interest of the county.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT.

The justice of the peace court is the lowest court and is held by a
justice of peace, called a magistrate, who is elected in that
magisterial district by the voters. Petty misdemeanors involving small
sums of money are tried in this court.

The justices' courts are found in every community for protection and
convenience to the people.

The magistrates are members of the fiscal