District Justices are elected officials who serve six-year terms.  In addition to being accessible to the public on one-on-one basis, they perform notary assignments, marriages and administer oaths.

District Justices are required to attend classes on the judicial system and pass a written examination before being seated on the bench.  They must also attend continuing education programs annually.  District Courts accept civil and criminal complaints, filed by law enforcement officers or private citizens. 

Their duties include processing all criminal complaints filed before their court, such as homicides, felonies, and misdemeanors.  Complaints of this nature require preliminary hearings to establish a prima facie case.

They must process all summary offenses, including private complaints and non-traffic citations.  The district justice has full jurisdiction at a summary trial.  Additionally, they set bond and accept bail for the release of individuals charged with a crime or violation. of a summary offense.