News

Pittsburgh Court Consolidation to Boost Judicial Efficiencies and Effectiveness

December 01, 2004

HARRISBURG, December 2, 2004 — Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ralph J. Cappy announced today that Pittsburgh Magistrates Court will be merged into the statewide district justice system after a two-year study of the idea’s feasibility. Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, Allegheny County District Justices will hear all matters that previously came exclusively before Pittsburgh Magistrates and Housing Courts. And while the former Magistrates Court will be completely transitioned into the district justice system, district justices will be assigned to Municipal Court and Housing Court with the same duties as those of the minor judiciary statewide. Also under terms of an order issued Monday by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the president judge of Allegheny County will have full administrative authority over the municipal and housing courts and the assignment of district justices. Consistent with the Supreme Court’s order, Allegheny County President Judge Joseph James issued a separate order yesterday that provides additional administrative detail of the transition. “Merging the existing district justice system into what was formerly Pittsburgh Magistrates Court promises greater efficiencies for the Judiciary and greater accountability to city residents,” the Chief Justice said. “This consolidation also significantly enhances the administrative unification of our court system and the ongoing implementation of automation to better serve all Pennsylvanians.” The realignment is among one of the final pieces of a systematic statewide review of district justice boundaries begun in 2002. The Supreme Court ordered the study while allowing sitting magistrates to continue to serve until the expiration of their terms. Elected district justices were assigned to fulfill judicial duties created by vacancies during the evaluation period. Prior to the start of the realignment process there were 55 district justice seats in Allegheny County, including 17 within and encompassing the City of Pittsburgh, who are elected by voters to sixyear terms. There also were seven city magistrates, who were appointed by the city’s mayor to four-year terms. Their jurisdiction largely was limited to criminal and traffic-related cases occurring within the Pittsburgh city limits. District justices have expanded jurisdiction, which includes that of the magistrates plus civil cases, landlord-tenant disputes and other summary offenses. The realignment consolidates the number of Allegheny County district justices from 55 to 48. The president judge of Allegheny County also has issued an administrative order further defining the changes.