Delaware County, Indiana, founded in 1827, grew from a small Native American village to a vital manufacturing hub for the East Central Region of the Hoosier State. Taking its name from the Delaware Indian Tribe, this region was once home to the visionary Prophet, brother to the great War Chief Tecumseh who tried to organize an Indian Uprising in the early 1800s. After the Civil War years, Delaware County experienced a massive economic boom following the discovery of natural gas throughout the region. Today, Delaware County is an important center for industry and is a cultural and commercial center for the surrounding mostly rural areas.
Delaware County has two major trial courts. The Circuit Courts have unlimited trial jurisdiction in every case, with the exclusion of cases with concurrent or exclusive jurisdiction belonging to other courts. The Superior Courts, which have general jurisdiction, hear all civil and criminal cases, and handle small claims where no county court systems exist.
Indiana's personal injury cases are heard in civil court. This FAQs section gives you information about civil lawsuits. As law courts use their own terminology, you may find this list of common legal terms handy. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Appeals Court or the Supreme Court, both of which are in Indianapolis. Indiana’s Appeals Court is located on 115 W. Washington Street in Suite 1270, while the Indiana Supreme Court is located on 315 Indiana State House Street.
Delaware County maintains a small claims court that handles some civil cases. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the Circuit Court. Located in Muncie, Delaware’s County Seat, the Courthouse is at 100 W. Washington St.
Delaware County covers almost 400 square miles. According to the 2000 Census, Delaware’s population is 118,769. The city of Muncie, along with 6 towns and 11 townships, are in the region. The towns include Selma, Albany, Gaston, Daleville and Eaton, all with populations of less than 2,000. Muncie reported a population of more than 67,000 and Yorktown had more than 8,000.
Muncie is Delaware County’s center for education, as home to Ball State University, a renowned doctoral and research university, and Ivy Tech Community College East Central. CNN Money Magazine listed the area in the top 20 percent of Best Places to Live in the U.S.A. and 2nd in the state of Indiana. The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns recognized Delaware as “The Outstanding County in the State” during the 1990s. The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce has recognized Muncie as an “Outstanding Community.” The National League of Cities ranked Muncie as an All-American City in 2001.
Delaware County, Indiana represents Midwestern living at its finest. These hard-working citizens possess a strong work ethic and maintain close family and strong community bonds in the renowned USA Corn Belt.
