Civil Courts

Jurisdiction of the County Court

all contract cases up to £100,000 (including consumer disputes, about goods and services)

all tort claims up to £100,000 (£50,000 in personal injury claims)

all cases for recovery of land

cases relating to wills, trusts and inheritance (where the value does not exceed £350,000)

divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships

bankruptcy.

King’s Bench Division

contract and tort cases over £100,000 (£50,000 for personal injury)

some complex intermediate / multi-track cases transferred from the County Court (over £25,000)

appeals from the Magistrates’ Court on points of law

complex cases arising out of business disputes (Commercial Court)

shipping matters (Admiralty Court)

disputes arising in the fields of construction, engineering and technology (Technology and Construction Court)

applications for judicial review of the actions of public bodies (Administrative Court).

Chancery Division

This Division deals with disputes relating to land, wills, companies and insolvency. It also has jurisdiction to hear intellectual property matters, including disputes about copyright and patents.

Family Division

cases relating to children

exclusive jurisdiction in wardship proceedings (court custody of a minor)

appeals from the Family Law Courts.