[1] Employees of the court are the largest non-union group among state workers.

The district, circuit, tax, and both appellate courts were combined beginning in 1983.

[4] With some exceptions, it has jurisdiction to hear all civil and criminal appeals from circuit courts, and to review actions of most state administrative agencies.

Except in six Eastern Oregon counties, the courts have jurisdiction over probate issues, adoptions, guardianship and conservatorships, and juvenile items.

The department’s chief operating officer is the State Court Administrator.

Created in 1971, the office also is responsible for keeping a current list of attorneys allowed to practice in the state and coordinating with the Bar for new lawyer admissions.

[7] Other divisions operated by the department include indigent defense, the state bar and rule and procedure making bodies.