Saint Joseph County, Indiana, established in 1830, gets its name from its close proximity to the St. Joseph River. Saint Joseph County is a regional center of industrial, manufacturing and technology business and career opportunities, while also acting as a hub of higher education. The communities of Saint Joseph County, IN, host more than eight colleges and universities that include Indiana University South Bend, the prestigious University Of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College, and campuses of Brown Mackie College and Purdue University.
Saint Joseph 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.
Saint Joseph County’s has Circuit Court, Probate Court, and Superior Court locations in South Bend, and a Superior Court in Mishawaka. Walkerton also has a Town Court location. The local courthouse address is: 101 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
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.
Saint Joseph County spans nearly 470 square miles and includes numerous townships, towns and cities. Granger, Mishawaka and South Bend are among the largest urban areas. Saint Joseph County, whose population was 265,559 at the time of the 2000 Census, currently ranks as IN’s 4th most populous county. Granger, population 28,284, is a vibrant suburb of South Bend. This Michiana region community lies within the South Bend-Mishawaka Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Mishawaka, the “Princess City,” holds a population of 46,557, and due to its accelerated rate of growth has plans to absorb nearly half of the Granger community over the next 20 years. The community is named for Princess Mishawaka, whose legendary romance with trapper Deadshot earned her a sacred place in local history. Mishawaka teems with interesting attractions such as the Beiger Mansion, Beutter Park and Shiojiri Gardens.
South Bend, population 107,746, is the seat of Saint Joseph County. Notre Dame University and Memorial Health Systems are the largest local employers, where the industry of tourism remains strong. South Bend’s most popular destinations are East Race Waterway, the Museums at Washington and Chapin, Potawatomi Zoo, Potato Creek State Park and the South Bend Regional Museum of Art.
Saint Joseph County, Indiana features rural culture and big city amenities. Excellent opportunities, friendly residents and beautiful scenery await visitors to Saint Joseph County.
