The judicial branch of Mississippi consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Chancery Courts, and Circuit Courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court and hears cases regarding the constitutionality of state laws. The Court of Appeals hears appeals assigned by the Supreme Court. Chancery Courts handle family law cases while Circuit Courts handle criminal cases and some civil suits between individuals. Judges are elected to serve terms ranging from four to eight years depending on the court.

1. Judicial Branch Clark, Eric. "The Government of Mississippi: How It Functions." Mississippi History Now. Mississippi Historical Society, Dec. 2007. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/276/government-of-mississippi-how-it-functions .