Magisterial District Courts
Most people’s first experience with the court system occurs in the Magisterial District Courts, the first level of judicial authority in Pennsylvania. Magisterial District Judges oversee:
- Traffic tickets and citations
- Minor criminal matters
- Civil complaints up to $12,000
- Setting bail
- Preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony criminal cases
- Civil marriage ceremonies
There are 16 Magisterial District Courts located in Chester County.
Court of Common Pleas
The Court of Common Pleas of Chester County is a general jurisdiction trial court located in West Chester, Pa. Court of Common Pleas judges hear a broad spectrum of cases, including:
- Adult and juvenile criminal prosecutions
- Lawsuits involving money or property
- Divorce
- Custody disputes
- Child support issues
- Adoptions
- Estates
