Oregon Court Records

Major courts of Oregon that have kept records of genealogical value are the following:

Circuit courts have county-wide jurisdiction over criminal cases, probate matters, guardianships, and domestic relations.

County courts have county-wide jurisdiction in juvenile cases, civil matters under $500, and probate matters. The Family History Library has a few county court records.

District courts have county-wide jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal matters.

Justice courts have concurrent county-wide jurisdiction with circuit courts over minor civil and criminal cases.

Supreme Court has the final appellate jurisdiction for the state.

The Family History Library has copies of a few court records, including Douglas County court records (1852-63) and coroner's inquest records (1896-1946). You can obtain copies of court records at the various county courthouses. The Oregon State Archives has files for Clackamas, Lane, Marion, and Wasco counties.