Minor Judiciary Education Board

The Minor Judiciary Education Board is charged with the responsibility of providing legal education to Pennsylvania’s minor judiciary, which includes Magisterial District Judges, Senior Magisterial District Judges, Arraignment Court Magistrates, and prospective judges of the above positions.

This training is mandated under Title 42 of Pennsylvania Statutes and the Rules of Judicial Administration.

The web page is designed to provide the public with current information regarding the activities of the Minor Judiciary Education Board, a schedule of upcoming certification classes, and information on obtaining registration materials for the scheduled certification training.

 

Mission Statement

To facilitate the ability of Pennsylvania courts in providing justice for the people of the Commonwealth, the Minor Judiciary Education Board provides quality legal education and ethical training to prospective judicial officers and certifies those individuals who meet its high standards. In addition, the Minor Judiciary Education Board assures that incumbent judicial officers of the minor judiciary maintain proficiency through mandated continuing education.

Responsibilities

Article V, §12 of the Pennsylvania Constitution requires that Magisterial District Judges be members of the bar of the Supreme Court or, before taking office, complete a course and pass an examination in the duties of their respective offices. It is the responsibility of the Minor Judiciary Education Board (MJEB) to instruct and certify individuals wishing to become Magisterial District Judges or Arraignment Court Magistrates. The board approves the curriculum, appoints and evaluates instructors, establishes course content, reviews all tests, and issues certificates to successful program participants.

In addition, the board conducts continuing education training for Magisterial District Judges, Senior Magisterial District Judges, Arraignment Court Magistrates and for those individuals who wish to maintain a current certification in one or more of these areas. It also conducts a one-week practicum, or orientation course, for newly elected or appointed Magisterial District Judges.

Board Members

Honorable Denise Snyder Thiel, Chairperson & Treasurer
Honorable Karen Eisner Zucker, Vice-Chairperson & Secretary
Honorable Richard G. King
Honorable Douglas McCall Bell
Honorable Carolyn S. Bengel
Nicholas J. Wachinski, Esq.
Dr. Kimberly Booth

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ‌

    The next certification training is scheduled for June 2-29, 2021. The training lasts approximately four weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Anyone interested in the training should contact the Minor Judiciary Education Board at 717-231-9515 or email mjeb@mjeb.org.

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    The Minor Judiciary Education Board has made the decision to move to an on-line platform for the June 2-29, 2021 certifying course.   Effective Wednesday June 2, 2021, participants who registered by Friday, April 30 will be taking courses virtually through our Blackboard course shell from June 2-29, 2021.  The health concerns associated with COVID-19 are fluid and variable, and this decision is consistent with the decisions being made by many Colleges and Universities in the State of Pennsylvania.  Transitioning our courses to the online environment is an effective way to create ‘social distancing’, while maintaining the integrity of the educational experience.  As more details are finalized, information will be provided to registered students.

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    There is no cost for the certification training. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides course materials only at no charge to the individual enrolled.

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    No. Lodging will not be necessary, the Minor Judiciary Education Board has made the decision to move to an on-line platform for the June 2-29, 2021 certifying course. Effective Wednesday June 2, 2021, participants who registered by the Friday, April 30 deadline will be taking courses virtually through our Blackboard course shell from June 2-29, 2021. 

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    No, individuals are responsible for ensuring their certification status is current and if interested in maintaining their certification must contact the Minor Judiciary Education Board by calling 717-231-9515 or via email mjeb@mjeb.org.

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    No, individuals are responsible to check for upcoming certification review classes by contacting the Minor Judiciary Education Board by calling 717-231-9515 or via email mjeb@mjeb.org.

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    Yes, individuals who are certified will receive notification from the Minor Judiciary Education Board with registration information for continuing education.

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    Registered individuals will be required to pick up the requisite law books and first day course materials at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, located at 601 Commonwealth Avenue, 1st Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17106 during the weeks leading up to the June 2nd start date and will receive detailed information on scheduling a pick up date and time on May 3rd.