How does jurisdiction differ between justice courts and municipal courts?

How does jurisdiction differ between justice courts and municipal courts?

• A. Justice courts have jurisdiction over foreclosure and forcible entry and detainer; municipal courts do not.
• B. They share all jurisdictions.
• C. Municipal courts have jurisdiction over foreclosure/detainer.
• D. Neither handles civil matters

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how each court uses its power over civil matters. Municipal courts have broader civil authority, including actions involving real property such as foreclosure and forcible entry and detainer (eviction). Justice courts, by contrast, handle a more limited set of civil matters and smaller claims, not these real-property actions. So when a case involves reclaiming property or foreclosing on a mortgage, it falls under municipal court jurisdiction, not justice court. The other choices fail because they either claim both courts share all civil powers, deny civil matters, or misstate which court handles foreclosure/detainer.

The main idea is how each court uses its power over civil matters. Municipal courts have broader civil authority, including actions involving real property such as foreclosure and forcible entry and detainer (eviction). Justice courts, by contrast, handle a more limited set of civil matters and smaller claims, not these real-property actions. So when a case involves reclaiming property or foreclosing on a mortgage, it falls under municipal court jurisdiction, not justice court. The other choices fail because they either claim both courts share all civil powers, deny civil matters, or misstate which court handles foreclosure/detainer.