Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk

General Sessions Court jurisdiction varies from county to county based on state laws and private acts. Every county is served by the Court which hears civil and criminal cases, including matters formerly handled by Justices of the Peace. Civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of actions. Criminal jurisdiction is limited to preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials in which a defendant waives the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in Circuit or Criminal Court. General Sessions Judges also serve as Juvenile Judges except in counties in which the legislature has established a separate Juvenile Court. General Sessions Judges are elected to eight year terms.  The Honorable David L. Stewart presides over General Sessions Court in Franklin County, Tennessee.