Where Justice Happens
Detroit’s justice system stretches across a few different courts, each with its own building, rules, and kinds of cases. Felonies play out at the county courthouse, evictions move quickly through the city’s district court, and immigration hearings unfold in a federal office downtown. Knowing which court handles what helps you step inside with confidence, and see how power moves through Detroit’s courtrooms.
36th District Court: City of Detroit
Location: 421 Madison St., Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Misdemeanors
Traffic violations
Landlord–tenant cases
Civil cases under $25,000
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (some evening probation hours)
Public Access:
Most proceedings are public, especially landlord–tenant and traffic.
Some juvenile or confidential cases may be closed.
- Screening required; prohibited items list applies.
Wayne County Court: 3rd Judicial Circuit
Locations:
Criminal Division: Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell St.
Civil & Family Divisions: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave.
Records/Clerk: Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, 1441 St. Antoine
Jurisdiction:
Felony criminal cases
Civil cases over $25,000
Family law (custody, divorce, juvenile)
Hours: Generally Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Access:
Felony arraignments, trials, and sentencings are public.
Civil and family hearings usually open, with some exceptions.
Some livestreams available.
- Airport-style screening; surrendered items not returned.
Wayne County Probate Court
Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Wills and estates
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health proceedings
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Access:
- Hearings are public unless sealed (e.g., minors, mental health).
- Airport-style screening; surrendered items not returned.
Michigan Court of Appeals: 1st District
Location: Cadillac Place, 3020 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202
Jurisdiction:
- Appeals from circuit and probate courts in Wayne and nearby counties
Hours: Typically Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Public Access:
Oral arguments are open to the public.
Many sessions are livestreamed or recorded.
- Building screening; courtroom decorum is strict.
U.S. District Court: Eastern Michigan District
Location: Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Federal criminal cases (drugs, firearms, white-collar)
Civil rights and constitutional cases
Federal statutes
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Access:
Most hearings and trials are open to the public.
Grand juries and sealed cases are closed.
Strict federal security: photo ID required; no phones in courtrooms.
U.S. Magistrate Judges: Eastern Michigan District
Location: Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Initial appearances after federal arrests
Bond/detention hearings
Search and arrest warrants
Pretrial motions and discovery issues
Some civil settlement conferences
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Access:
First appearances and detention hearings are open.
Often scheduled quickly and move fast.
- Strict federal security: photo ID required; no phones in courtrooms.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern Michigan District
Location: Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Bankruptcy filings (Chapters 7, 11, 13)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Access:
- Hearings are open but highly procedural.
- Strict federal security: photo ID required; no phones in courtrooms.
U.S. Immigration Court: EOIR - Detroit
Location: 477 Michigan Ave., Suite 440, Detroit, MI 48226
Jurisdiction:
Removal and deportation proceedings
Asylum and refugee status claims
Bond hearings
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Public Access:
Hearings generally open, except asylum cases.
Recording strictly prohibited.
- Screening required; no food, drinks, or recording devices.