1846 through 1869
Limited original jurisdiction in special cases at law and in equity according to the legislature; appeals from justices of the peace; exercised the functions of the surrogate (criminal cases held at the Court of Sessions).
1869 Through 1896
Limited original jurisdiction in law and equity; civil $1,000 where defendant resided in county; local court not court of record.
1896 Through Present
Limited original jurisdiction in law and equity outside New York City; handles criminal prosecutions of offenses committed within the county; 1896 through 1925 - civil cases under $2,000; 1925 - $3,000 where defendant resides in county or has an office for the transaction of business within the county; 1982 through present - all civil actions under $25,000.