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.

“The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) in response to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken steps to close Court facilities to the public in an effort to protect public safety and general welfare for all citizens of Pennsylvania.  As part of the AOPC efforts, the Minor Judiciary Education Board (MJEB) has taken the proactive measure of cancelling in-person continuing education classes for the remainder of the 2019-2020 scholastic year, which currently ends in mid-May.  Magisterial District Judges, Senior Magisterial District Judges, Philadelphia Arraignment Court Magistrates and Prospective ACMs scheduled for continuing education classes in March, April or May 2020 are excused from in-person attendance and should expect to receive communications related to receiving their continuing education through alternative means.  Any questions regarding this decision or future plans should be directed to the MJEB staff in an electronic mail (email) message.    

Due to the ongoing concerns about groups gathering, Certification training for potential judges scheduled in June has been cancelled.  The board invites those who were scheduled to attend this certification class to register for the certification class scheduled in (To Be Determined).

Any further information regarding certification training will either be posted to this website or sent directly to those who have registered for the class. "

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
Gary S. Scheimer
Honorable Douglas McCall Bell
Honorable Carolyn S. Bengel
Nicholas J. Wachinski, Esq.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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    The next certification training is scheduled for (dates to be determined).  The training lasts approximately four weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Registration information will be available when the training dates have been determined.  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 training is held at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg, Pa. 17106. This training is not offered anywhere else in Pennsylvania.

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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. However, each participant in the certification training is responsible to pay for any lodging costs, meal costs and mileage/transportation costs. Each class participant may arrange transportation at their own expense. Each class participant is permitted to lodge at a hotel of their choice, or commute daily, if they prefer. However, lodging costs and mileage/transportation expenses will be the responsibility of individual class participants.

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    Each class participant is permitted to lodge at a hotel of their choice, or commute daily if they prefer. However, lodging costs and mileage expenses will be the responsibility of individual class participants.

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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.