The Civil Court of the City of New York consists of three parts: General Civil, Housing and Small Claims. General Civil Cases include matters where parties are seeking monetary relief up to $50,000. The Housing Part hears landlord-tenant matters and cases involving maintenance of housing standards. The Small Claims Part hears cases where parties are seeking monetary relief up to $10,000.

The Court is composed of 120 Civil Court Judges, who are elected by the voters in each county for a term of ten years. Civil Court Judges must be residents of the City of New York and must be admitted to practice as attorneys in the State for ten years before taking office. Judges may serve until December 31 of the year in which they become 70. Civil Court Judges hear General Civil and Small Claims cases. The current salary of a New York City Civil Court Judge is $196,200.

The Court is also composed of 50 Housing Court Judges, who are appointed for a term of five years. The current salary of a New York City Housing Court Judge is $135,100.