Hardin County
Created in 1792 from Nelson County, Hardin County lies in central Kentucky. It was the 15th county to be formed in the state and boasts an estimated population of 112,273 people. It is the state's 4th largest county by land area, and Elizabethtown is the county seat.
The Hardin County trial Court system is composed of a circuit court and district courts. The Hardin County Circuit Court, which is a general jurisdiction court, hears all civil and criminal cases. Typical circuit court cases include felonies, crimes punishable by death sentence, lesser offenses, civil claims exceeding $5,000, divorces, adoptions, administrative agency appeals, and contested probate cases.
The District Courts in Hardin County are limited jurisdiction courts that hear some civil and criminal cases, including ordinance violations within the county or city boundary. They also oversee initial hearings for felonies or crimes punishable by a death sentence, civil claims for $5,000 and less, local administrative agency appeals, guardianships, voluntary and involuntary commitments, and domestic violence-related cases. The District Courts' Juvenile divisions adjudicate cases against youths under 18 years, including juvenile delinquency, child neglect, child abuse, and other criminal cases related to minors. The Small Claims Court divisions, which do not offer jury trials, handle civil claims below $2,500 in controversy. However, at a defendant's request, a case can be transferred to another court for adjudication.
Hardin County court records contain legal information about court case proceedings in Circuit and District courts and generally include various contents such as docket sheets, case transcripts, audio and video recordings, motions, pleadings, court orders, and jury verdicts. Hardin County court records, which guarantee justice delivery and improve judicial transparency, typically include:
- Criminal records
- Probate records
- Civil records
- Family law records
- Juvenile records
The Hardin County Circuit Court Clerk manages Circuit and District court records and promotes public access to them upon request. Members of the public can access Hardin County court records after making formal requests and paying certain fees, according to the Kentucky Revised Statutes (Sections 61.870 and 61.884). Requesters can access court case information online for free through the Commonwealth's case lookup service. Alternatively, they can request to examine or copy court records at the Circuit Clerk's Office in person at:
120 East Dixie Avenue
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 766-5000
