Supreme Court

	The court system of New Hampshire is led by the Supreme Court, which is New Hampshire's appellate court. The Court is comprised of one chief justice and four associate justices, each of whom is nominated by the Governor and appointed by the Executive Council for a term of office which continues during good behavior and until the age of 70.
	The Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction to hear appeals in civil, criminal, and juvenile cases and cases involving administrative agencies. In addition, the Supreme Court is empowered to issue advisory opinions for the state executive and legislative branches.
	Following oral argument, the justices draw cases and begin to research and draft opinions. All five justices meet to "conference," or review and comment on proposed decisions.

Superior Court

The Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction and provides jury trials in civil and criminal cases. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over felonies, divorce, and custody cases, and hears de novo appeals from District Court in limited classes of cases. The Superior Court has concurrent jurisdiction with District Courts in domestic violence cases.  For a list of Superior Court Judges or a list of the Superior Court Marital Masters click on these links.

District Court

The District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor and traffic violations and hears juvenile and domestic violence cases. The District Court also hears civil and small claims cases and conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases. Jury trials are held in two of the ten counties.

Probate Court

The Probate Court has authority over all matters relating to adoption, termination of parental rights, guardianships, trusts, wills, estates, and involuntary commitments.

Family Division

In 1995 the Legislature enacted Chapter 152 creating a Family Division Pilot Program in Rockingham and Grafton counties. The Family division has jurisdiction over all types of family law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, juvenile matters, domestic violence, guardianship of minors, and adoptions. There are four Family Division locations in each of the two pilot counties.

Administrative Office of the Courts

The Administrative Office of the Courts has responsibility for the centralized administrative functions of the judicial branch, such as accounting, auditing, personnel, education, and technology. The director of the Administrative Office of the Courts reports to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Administrative Council

The Administrative Council facilitates communication among the various courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Membership on the council includes a Justice of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, the Administrative Judges from the District and Probate Courts, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts.