Franklin County
Franklin County was established in 1818 and is located in the southern part of the state, within the region known as "Little Egypt". Named after Benjamin Franklin, the county has a population of approximately 37,810 residents and covers a land area of about 431 square miles. The county seat is Benton, which is also its largest city. Franklin County is historically significant for its coal mining heritage and is part of the Illinois Basin Coal Region.
The Franklin County court system comprises the Circuit Court, a court of original jurisdiction tasked with handling civil, criminal, probate, family, and juvenile cases. The court operates under the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Illinois and has jurisdiction over all cases except those designated for the Illinois Supreme Court. Franklin County Circuit Court serves as the primary trial court for the county and oversees criminal Cases such as felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. It also handles civil cases, including small claims, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. Its jurisdictions also include probate cases such as estate administrations, wills, and guardianships and family law cases such as divorces, child custody, and child support. Additionally, juvenile delinquency and dependency matters, as well as appeals of Administrative Agencies' decisions are heard by the court.
Franklin County court records consist of various legal documents created during court proceedings. These records are preserved to ensure accountability and serve as evidence for future litigations. Except for confidential cases like juvenile and adoption matters, the following court records are open for public disclosure in Franklin County:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Family Law Records
- Probate Records
- Juvenile Records
The Circuit Clerk, the official custodian maintains Franklin County court records making them publicly accessible under the Illinois FOIA. Individuals can access public court records online via the Illinois e-File System or other state-approved portals. Public access terminals are also available at the courthouse for free searches at:
100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 439-2011
Daily court dockets and additional case information may be accessible through the Circuit Clerk's website, ensuring transparency and convenience for county residents.
