Thompson v. Reed

The question in this case is, has the circuit court jurisdiction of a suit where the remedy sought is by certiorari. No recital of facts is necessary to precede the decision of the question.

The circuit court is of limited jurisdiction — limited by the act creating the court. If it were not so provided *118in the act, the circuit court could not hear appeals from justices of the peace. Certiorari is only a mode of redress where the more common remedy by appeal is not provided. Appellate jurisdiction is not conferred by giving a court original jurisdiction in civil actions. Certiorari is a “special…