Introduction to Oregon Courts

Oregon state courts include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and 36 circuit courts in 27 judicial districts. These state courts are part of the Oregon Judicial Department.

Personal injury litigation begins in the trial court, which is called the “circuit court” in Oregon. Each of Oregon’s 36 counties has a circuit court. The circuit court is Oregon’s trial court of general jurisdiction. This means it hears cases regardless of the subject matter, amount of money involved, or the severity of the crime alleged.

The circuit court is a “court of record,” which means that an official court reporter or special audio or video recording system records every word of most cases except small claims and noncriminal offenses such as violations. The “record” is used in any appeal. Most appeals are “on the record,” which means that the appellate court does not hold a new trial but relies on the record and on oral and written arguments to decide whether the trial court’s decision was proper.

The Oregon Court of Appeals is the first level of appeal following trial. The court has jurisdiction to hear all civil and criminal appeals from circuit court, except death penalty cases and Tax Court Appeals. The court may also review most state administrative agency actions.

The Oregon Supreme Court is the highest court in the Oregon judicial branch. It has “discretionary review” of cases from the Oregon Court of Appeals. A party who is dissatisfied with the Court of Appeals’ decision may petition the Supreme Court to review that decision. The Supreme Court can choose to accept or deny the petition. The only court that may reverse or modify a decision of the Oregon Supreme Court is the United States Supreme Court.