News

District Justices to Become Magisterial District Judges

January 05, 2005

HARRISBURG, January 6, 2005 — Pennsylvania’s minor court jurists, who preside over the lion’s share of cases entering the state court system, are getting new titles to better reflect their responsibilities. On Jan. 29, 2005 Pennsylvania’s District Justices officially will be known as Magisterial District judges. An administrative order issued today by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court formally recognizes the name change, which overwhelmingly was adopted by the General Assembly last year and signed into law by Gov. Edward G. Rendell as Act 207 of 2004. The duties of the Commonwealth’s 555 district judges will remain the same. Importantly, the administrative order makes the name change effective in all references in court documents, automated systems and court rules. The order also authorizes the continued use of existing forms, documents and citations containing the title “district justice” to facilitate the transition of resources and materials and curb replacement costs. “Regardless of their title, the Commonwealth’s 555 Magisterial District judges remain the court of first impression of most Pennsylvanians — the most frequent point of contact between Pennsylvanians and the state judicial system,” Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ralph J. Cappy said. “Their new title reflects the nature of their office as judges, eliminates confusion by the public as to their role in the judicial system, and fully recognizes their important contribution to that system. “Today’s Supreme Court order ensures that implementation of the Act will be seamless and not require unnecessary expense by government or the private sector during the transition from the previous title.” Each Magisterial District judge presides over a geographic boundary known as a magisterial district and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases and civil claims involving $8,000 or less. Magisterial District judges also hear traffic-related charges and hold arraignments and preliminary hearings for those charged with more serious crimes.