Which court generally has jurisdiction over foreclosure and forcible entry and detainer cases?

• A. Municipal courts
• B. County courts
• C. Federal courts
• D. Justice courts

Answer: (D)

Forcible entry and detainer actions—evictions—and related possession disputes are handled where courts specialize in quick, low-dollar civil matters. Justice courts are designed to resolve these types of issues efficiently, dealing with possession of real property and accompanying small-claims disputes. Because eviction cases center on regaining possession and are typically streamlined for speed, they fall naturally within the jurisdiction of these courts. In some cases, foreclosure matters that involve possession or fall within the court’s limited civil jurisdiction may also be heard here, especially when the amount in dispute is within their limits. Other courts serve different roles: municipal courts handle city ordinance issues and minor offenses, federal courts handle federal questions or diversity cases, and higher state courts address larger, more complex foreclosures and bigger civil claims.