DelawareSuperior Court would handle destructive-weapon cases involving adults
If effective, an adult charged under Delaware’s destructive-weapon law would have the case heard only in Superior Court, while minors would remain in Family Court.
What it does
The measure states that Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over destructive-weapon cases under Section 1444 when the defendant is an adult; minors remain in Family Court.
Argument forKeeping minors in Family Court could preserve a separate court process for juvenile defendants while Superior Court handles adult cases.
Argument againstMaking Superior Court the only court for adult cases could reduce flexibility to send those cases to another court.
More detail
The legislation states that Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over destructive-weapon offenses under Section 1444 when an adult defendant committed the offense. The rule covers adult defendants charged under Section 1444 of Title 11. Cases involving minors remain with Family Court. Superior Court has exclusive authority over the covered adult cases. Family Court retains jurisdiction over cases involving minors.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 3Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- Jun 30Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YESPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 24Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- Jun 18Assigned to Judiciary Committee in SenateMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 18Passed By House. Votes: 41 YESPassed House
- Jun 17Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 2 Favorable, 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- May 20Not Worked in Committee
- May 12Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in HouseIntroduced
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