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The jurisdiction ofthese courts is limited to minor cases.In criminal matters,for example,state courts deal with three levels ofviolations:infrac-tions (the least serious),misde-meanors (more serious),and felonies(the most serious).Trial courts of lim-ited jurisdiction handle infractions and misdemeanors.They may impose only limited fines (usually no more than $1,000) and jail sentences (generally no more than one year).Incivil cases these courts are usually lim-ited to disputes under a certain amount,such as $500.In addition,these types of courts are often limited to certain kinds ofmatters:traffic vio- lations,domestic relations,or cases involving juveniles,for example.
Another difference from trial courts of general jurisdiction is that in many instances these limited courts are not courts ofrecord.Since their proceedings are not recorded,appeals of their decisions usually go to a trialcourt of general jurisdiction for what is known as a trial “de novo”(new trial).Yet another distinguishing char-acteristic oftrial courts oflimited ju-risdiction is that the presiding judges of such courts are often not required to have any formal legal training.
Many of these courts suffer from a lack ofresources.Often,they have no permanent courtroom,meetinginstead in grocery stores,restaurants,or private homes.Clerks are frequent-ly not available to keep adequate records.The results are informal pro-ceedings and the processing of cases on a mass basis.Full-fledged trials are rare and cases are disposed ofquickly.
Finally,trial courts of limited jurisdiction are used in some states to handle preliminary matters in felony criminal cases.They often hold arraignments,set bail,appoint attor-neys for indigent defendants,and conduct preliminary examinations.The case is then transferred to a trial court ofgeneral jurisdiction for such matters as hearing pleas,holding trials,and sentencing.
from：http://www.fww114.com/classroom/flyy/