Which type of court is responsible for civil cases in South Carolina?

The Circuit Court in South Carolina is the trial court that generally handles civil cases. This court operates at a state level and has jurisdiction over a wide range of matters, including major civil disputes involving larger amounts of money and complex cases. The Circuit Court is structured to manage both civil and criminal matters, but its civil case jurisdiction is particularly significant, allowing it to address more serious or complex civil litigation that is beyond the capability of other lower courts.

While other types of courts also deal with specific aspects of civil law, such as Magistrate Courts which handle minor civil claims and certain other limited matters, and Family Courts which focus on domestic and family-related issues, the Circuit Court is the primary venue for broader civil litigation in South Carolina. Municipal Courts deal primarily with violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors, while Family Courts specifically address matters like divorce, child custody, and juvenile issues. Thus, the Circuit Court serves as the main venue for substantial civil cases in the state's judicial system.