Oklahoma courts and judges laws and regulations govern how judges resolve disputes in interpreting and applying the law. These laws are passed by the various legislative bodies in Oklahoma, such as the Oklahoma state legislature, and are enforced by the executive branch of government. A party that is dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court typically may appeal to the intermediate Court of Appeals. They also may have the option of asking the highest state court to hear the case.

The assignment of a case to judges in Oklahoma is determined by the court that has jurisdiction. There are three general types of courts in Oklahoma:

1. Oklahoma county court. These courts generally have jurisdiction over traffic cases and other misdemeanors. The vast majority of these cases are resolved without a trial.
2. District courts. A federal district court of Oklahoma has jurisdiction over federal issues and is subject to review by a United States court of appeals.
3. Supreme Court. There is only one Supreme Court of Oklahoma and it consists of a panel of judges. A federal court only may overrule the Oklahoma supreme court network when there is an issue of federal jurisdiction.
   

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Learn about the laws regarding county Oklahoma courts and judges

Oklahoma county courts are the workhorses of the Oklahoma judicial system and decide most cases in Oklahoma. Oklahoma county courts commonly handle matters of probate law, traffic law and family law. Local rules for county courts address the procedures for assigning cases, issuing subpoenas and filing discovery motions.

I recommend: The Oklahoma County Court Clerk provides legal procedures for each type of court, such as small claims court. The Carter County Court is governed by the court rules for the 20th judicial district in Oklahoma.

Examine laws that affect an Oklahoma district court

District courts in Oklahoma are the trial courts for the federal court system. They also include courts that handle bankruptcy law as separate units of the district courts. District courts have rules that govern court procedures, such as filing civil actions, making motions and requesting continuances.

I recommend: The United States District Court, Western District of Oklahoma provides its own local rules, electronic filing procedures and other governing rules. The United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Oklahoma provides its bankruptcy code and rules, in addition to the local rules of the court.

Review the laws governing the Oklahoma Supreme Court

The Oklahoma Supreme Court is the highest state court in Oklahoma and generally only hears appeals involving state law. It does not make finding of facts and, therefore, does not hold trials. The Supreme Court issues rules for topics like judicial conduct, the discipline of attorneys and the publication of opinions.

I recommend: The Oklahoma State Courts Network provides the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted and amended by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The Oklahoma Bar Association gives an overview of the rules of authority and responsibility that govern the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

A basic knowledge of Oklahoma courts and judges can be beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it doesn’t hurt to understand the court process and know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in each state that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Oklahoma courts and Oklahoma judges, keep the following in mind:

1. The Oklahoma courts system consists of 77 district courts located in each county.

2. The Court of Criminal Appeals handles only criminal appellate cases, while the Court of Civil Appeals handles only civil appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through Oklahoma court records.

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Locate Oklahoma courts and judges

The Oklahoma district court handles all basic criminal, civil, probate, family and juvenile cases. Each Oklahoma county court has a chief judge that oversees the administrative process for his district. The 10 judges of Oklahoma Worker's Compensation Court handle cases concerning work related injuries. Oklahoma City and Tulsa contain the only two work comp courts in the state.

I recommend: Use the district court map at the Oklahoma State Court Network (OSCN) to find contact and judge information for each district court. Access On Demand Court Records to rummage through county case information. Download workers' compensation case forms on the State of Oklahoma – Workers’ Compensation Court website.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Oklahoma Courts of Appeals

The Oklahoma Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Civil Appeals all hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Oklahoma appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are nine judges in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The Criminal Court of Appeals, which is the last resort court for all criminal appeals, has five judges. The Civil Court of Appeals has 12 judges in Oklahoma.

I recommend: Download rules, forms and jury instructions for the Court of Criminal Appeals on OCCAonline. The Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma provides a list of justices for the Oklahoma Supreme Court network. Click on a justice's name for biographical information.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in Oklahoma

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Oklahoma Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Three districts make up the Oklahoma Bankruptcy court: the northern, eastern, and western (Oklahoma City) districts. Each provide information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Oklahoma bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Obtain contact information and website links for all three district bankruptcy courts in Oklahoma from Personal Bankruptcy Information. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the Northern District of Oklahoma Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of courts and judges in Oklahoma, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.

Attorneys have many reasons for keeping informed of Oklahoma courts and judges news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of appointments as judges die or retire in order to correctly file papers with the court. Courts may also change their procedures and administrative rules, which can affect the way that attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may want to know a judge’s legal education and background, as it may affect how a judge comes to a decision.

Anyone who wishes to stay current on news related to courts in Oklahoma should identify key legal websites in Oklahoma and check them periodically for updates. The best sources of information on news and trends on Oklahoma courts and judges include the following:

1. Independent news sources on Oklahoma judges, such as blogs, newspapers and magazines. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased opinions or news about a court or judge.
2. Court websites. These sites are the best source of official news and trends, such as current appointments and court decisions.
3. Organizations for legal professionals. Meetings of these organizations provide opportunities to get inside news information on courts and judges.
   

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Study sources of unbiased news and trends for the Oklahoma court system

Journalists frequently report on news and events that affect the Oklahoma Supreme Court network in online newspapers and magazines. Attorneys and law professors also may provide opinions on recent court decisions in blogs and journals.

I recommend: The Oklahoma Injury Lawyer Blog offers news and commentary on personal injury court cases in Oklahoma. Tulsa World features articles on district court judges in Oklahoma, including a recent article about judges in Oklahoma sealing court records.

Review websites on courts and judges of Oklahoma to get official news and other information

Oklahoma courts and judges websites are the best places to get current news about judges for a particular court, as well as information about upcoming appointments and retirements. An Oklahoma court also may publish important court decisions and opinions on its official website, which can help attorneys stay informed of the latest ruling trends.

I recommend: The Oklahoma State Courts Network provides news on Oklahoma courts, such as upcoming court appointments. The Western District Court of Oklahoma provides current official information on the court, including current news, the daily docket and court procedures.

Join professional legal organizations to get inside news on courts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma bar and attorney organizations hold meetings to evaluate and discuss legal news and trends. These meetings also provide an opportunity to hear from attorneys who actually have tried cases before a particular Oklahoma court or judge.

I recommend: The Oklahoma Bar Association holds regular meetings to discuss news and trends on Oklahoma courts. The Oklahoma County Bar Association has events that allow members to exchange information on news and trends about Oklahoma courts and judges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There also are online forums dedicated to news and trends in courts in Oklahoma. These forums may have a separate directory for each court and typically invite readers to discuss and evaluate news on courts and judges based on personal experience. The evaluation methods may consist of surveys, polls and votes that include reader comments.

Oklahoma’s federal and state court systems strive to provide efficient service to citizens. Three Federal District Courts in Oklahoma preside over bankruptcy filings. The Oklahoma State Courts consist of the Oklahoma State Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Court of Civic Appeals and District Courts. Rules of the Court help ensure that fair and just courtroom proceedings take place.

Oklahoma Courts also provide services such as Alternative Dispute Resolution, a Workers Safety Policy Council and an online application that allows users to search court dockets.

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United States Bankruptcy Court

The United States Bankruptcy Court has three divisions in Oklahoma: the Eastern District Court located in Okmulgee, the Northern District Court located in Tulsa and Western District Court with locations in Oklahoma City and Lawton. Individuals and businesses located in Oklahoma who plan to file for bankruptcy must do so at the district court representing their geographic area.

I recommend: Refer to the Oklahoma Eastern District Court to obtain information on bankruptcy filing, fees, and procedures.

Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals adheres to rules to ensure courtroom proceedings follow proper procedures. Rules of the Court apply to issues such as general rules, initiating and perfecting appeals and various procedures.

I recommend: For more information on Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals, refer to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals website.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a mediation process that works to resolve conflict between parties and with the assistance of a neutral third party (the mediator) reach an agreement between parties without having to go to court.

I recommend: Refer to the Alternative Dispute Resolution webpage for more information on services provided.

Oklahoma Workers Compensation Court

The Oklahoma Workers Compensation Court presides over cases involving individuals who are hurt on the job and decides whether an individual is eligible for compensation.

I recommend: For more information, refer to the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Court website.

Worker Safety Policy Council

The Worker Safety Policy Council examines worker safety policies that will result in few individuals getting hurt on the job and in turn lower the amount of money businesses contribute to workers compensation.

I recommend: Refer to the Worker Safety Policy Council webpage to learn more about the activities of this council.

Oklahoma Docket Search

Docket Search is an online search tool that allows users to query Oklahoma district and appellate court dockets on attributes such as case type, filing date, case number and party name.

I recommend: To obtain more information, refer to the Docket Search webpage.