Jackson County
Jackson County is located in northeastern Alabama, with a population of around 52,618. The county covers approximately 1,078 square miles making it the state's fifth-largest by land mass. It was established in 1819 and named after President Andrew Jackson. The county seat is Scottsboro, a city known for its historic charm and the famous Unclaimed Baggage Center.
Jackson County operates within Alabama's Unified Judicial System and includes the Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit with general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases and civil disputes involving amounts exceeding $10,000. It handles family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases. It also serves as an appellate court for cases heard in the District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The District Court resolves civil claims up to $10,000 and small claims cases of $3,000 or less. It also hears misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Meanwhile, the Probate Court oversees matters such as wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. On the other hand, the Municipal Courts located in cities such as Scottsboro handle violations of city ordinances, certain criminal offenses, and traffic cases.
Jackson County court records document various legal proceedings, including details about involved parties, warrants, case filings, court orders, and hearing dates. These records are essential for legal processes such as case preparation, hearings, and appeals. They are accessible to the public under Alabama's Public Records Policy and typically include:
- Civil records
- Criminal court records
- Family law records
- Probate records
- Traffic records
- Municipal ordinance violation records
Records are managed by the Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office, located at the Jackson County Courthouse. Interested persons can access these records by sending a request mail to the clerk's office or making an in-person visit at:
102 East Laurel Street
Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone: (256) 574-9280
Requesters can also use the Alabama Just One Look tool, which allows searches by name or case number for a fee of $9.99 per search. Charges for copies and processing requests may apply, depending on the type and volume of records requested. However, record seekers should note that some court records are restricted from public access. These include medical records, attorney-client communication, and records that could affect the security or safety of persons, structures, and facilities.
