What does a Magistrate do in PA?
They oversee arraignments, set bail, and hold criminal preliminary hearings. They hear complaints in civil matters involving possible damages of up to $12,000, mediate landlord-tenant disputes, and perform weddings.
What is a local Magistrate?
1. A local official whose authority is limited to whatever has been granted by statute or specified in the appointment. 2. In local or state courts, a justice of the peace or other judicial officer who has strictly limited authority and jurisdiction to hear certain cases, often criminal cases or small claims.
How much do PA magistrates make?
How much does a Judge/Magistrate make in California? The average Judge/Magistrate salary in California is $191,534 as of January 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $187,874 and $214,346.
Do you have to be a lawyer to be a Magistrate in PA?
One does not have to be a lawyer or have attended law school to be a minor court judge in Pennsylvania, a trait that makes the state unique. Many people who have never practiced law are presiding over district magistrate courts.
How do you appeal a Magistrates court decision in PA?
The method of appeal is by filing with the prothonotary a ”notice of appeal” on a form to be prescribed by the State Court Administrator. Copies of this same form will be used for service under Pa.
How do you become a magistrate in PA?
Resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Resident of his/her magisterial district for a one-year period prior to election. Certified by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts as successfully completing a rigorous training and education program administered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board.
What sentence can Magistrates give?
Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to six months’ custody for a single offence and 12 months in total.
What is difference between judge and Magistrate?
The term judge comes from the French word juger, which means “to judge.” A Magistrate is a civil officer or a minor judicial officer who serves in specified locations such as a district, town, or county. The Magistrate’s job is to deal with minor matters.
What qualifications are required to be a magistrate?
What qualifications do you need to become a magistrate? No formal or legal qualifications are required but magistrates need intelligence, common sense, integrity and the capacity to act fairly.
How long does a judge have to make a ruling in PA?
A. You must file your appeal within 30 days of the date the District Judge made the decision, which is also called a “judgment.” The District Judge usually makes the decision on the same day as the hearing, but is allowed to wait up to five days after the hearing.