About the Court

Magisterial District Court is known as “The Court of Initial Jurisdiction” for all criminal matters. In Monroe County there are 9 Magisterial Districts, each district has its own elected Magisterial District Judge. The Magisterial District Judges are regulated by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and work under the Judicial Authority of the County Common Plea’s President Judge.
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Responsibilities of the Magisterial District Court:

  • The court hears civil suits brought by district residents or businesses when the amount in dispute does not exceed $12,000
    • Landlord-tenant disputes
    • Violations of municipal ordinances
    • Breach of contract
    • Conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases, to determine if the cases should be dismissed or transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for further adjudication
  • Sets bail or bail alternatives
  • Handle traffic citations
  • Issue search warrants
  • Emergency relief from abuse petitions under the Protection from Abuse Act
  • May perform marriage ceremonies