What is the role of the Circuit Court?

The Circuit Court serves as the Court of General Sessions for criminal cases, which is a pivotal function within the judicial system. This means that it has the authority to handle serious criminal offenses and can conduct trials, where jury verdicts are rendered. The Circuit Court is typically where felony cases are prosecuted, and it plays a crucial role in upholding the legal process within its jurisdiction.

While it is true that Circuit Courts may also hear appeals in certain cases, their primary designation is as the trial court for criminal matters, which encompasses a wide range of offenses. They also address more serious civil matters, but this is not their main role compared to their function in the criminal justice system.

The other options present misunderstandings about the Circuit Court's designated responsibilities. Options addressing minor civil disputes or family law matters typically fall under different, often lower-level courts or specialized family courts rather than the Circuit Court’s primary focus on more significant criminal cases and serious civil litigation.