Job description
Magisterial District Courts are responsible for adjudicating all traffic and non-traffic citations as well as processing criminal and private criminal complaints, including arraignments and preliminary hearings. Magisterial District judges also hear civil and landlord-tenant complaints up to a jurisdictional limit of $12,000. Magisterial District judges may also administer oaths and affirmations and take acknowledgments.
Eligibility requirements
Candidate must be at least 21 years of age, under the age of 75, a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a resident of his/her magisterial district for a one-year period prior to election, and certified by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts as successfully completing a rigorous training and education program administered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board; or an attorney admitted to the Bar in Pennsylvania.
Filing instructions
Filing office address: One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede Street, Suite 602, Norristown, PA 19401
Filing phone number: 610-278-3280
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the County Elections Division's office.
Filing requirements: Filing Fee of $50, and 100 signatures required. If it is a sitting judge that is filing for reelection, they may file a certificate of nomination in lieu of a petition.