The Circuit Court hears criminal prosecutions (trials & pleas) for treason, felonies, crimes and misdemeanors, except for those cases exclusively reserved for some other court. The Circuit Court and Justice Court have concurrent jurisdiction for all crimes for which the punishment does not exceed a fine and imprisonment in county jail (i.e., misdemeanors). Criminal appeals from lower courts (County, Justice, Municipal) are heard in Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court is also the trial court of general jurisdiction in Mississippi. Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over civil lawsuits for which the matter in controversy exceeds $3,500. Circuit Courts and Justice Courts have concurrent jurisdiction over cases in which the amount in controversy is between $200 and $3,500.

Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over all civil matters not within the exclusive jurisdiction of some other court (i.e., Chancery Court).  Of note, Circuit Courts also hear appeals from County, Justice and Municipal Courts and from administrative boards and commissions such as the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Jury trials are common in Circuit Court, with a unanimous vote of 12 required for a criminal conviction, but only 9 of 12 required for a decision in a civil proceeding.