Have you ever browsed the State of New Hampshire's website? If not, you should. The answers to a lot of day-to-day questions can be found here. The website is divided into three categories, executive, legislative and judicial. This blog is about the Judicial Branch. The New Hampshire Judicial System has developed a new book which should make the New Hampshire Court system more user friendly. This book, Your guide to the New Hampshire Courts , is currently available to be read on the Judicial System website. It was produced with the assistance of the New Hampshire Bar Association, and will soon be available for use by state residents in print.

When dealing with any judicial system, questions arise that can be difficult to answer. This book should begin to provide the answers. It contains a map which will help to locate courts in the state. It also details the structure of the courts and the work done in each kind of court. For instance, did you know that:
New Hampshire Superior Courts are the only courts in New Hampshire where jury trials are
held
New Hampshire has a Supreme Court which hears appeals from all other courts
New Hampshire Probate Courts not only deal with estates and trusts, but also with name
changes and involuntary commitments
New Hampshire has a special court called Family Division which deals with all family
matters
New Hampshire District Court handles all traffic violations

If you have wondered about the rights of the crime victim or of the accused, the information is in this book. Also, there is a discussion of mediation, a way to settle differences without going to court. In the legal resources for the public section, you learn about the State Law Library in Concord which provides free internet access to the public as well as assistance with legal research. LexisNexis can be used for free on the public computers at the State Law Library.

If you feel that you would like to represent yourself in court, if the need should arise, the Judicial Branch website has a Self-help Center which will get you started. Those who feel that they would fare better with the assistance of a legal professional can obtain low-cost legal help through the New Hampshire Bar Association or New Hampshire Legal Services - Legal Assistance, Information and Support

Don't hesitate to make use of this online book and the Judicial Branch website. Valuable information regarding your legal rights can be found there, and you never know when you might need it.