New Hampshire Case Law

The New Hampshire state court system is divided into two levels. The only appellate court in New Hampshire is the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which consists of five judges. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in New Hampshire. It also reviews appeals of decisions by some state administrative agencies. Decisions by the New Hampshire Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.

The lower level of the New Hampshire state court system consists of the New Hampshire Superior Courts and the New Hampshire Circuit Courts. The Superior Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. These courts also review appeals of decisions by Circuit Courts.

The jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts is limited to certain types of cases. They are divided into district, probate, and family divisions. District divisions review cases such as misdemeanors, motor vehicle violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims cases. Probate divisions review cases related to wills, trusts and estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, real estate partitions, and certain mental health issues. Family divisions review cases related to divorce, child custody, child support, juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and other matters related to families and children.