The minor courts, also called the "special courts," are the first level of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. Except in Philadelphia, these courts are presided over by magisterial district judges who decide small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic cases and minor criminal matters. There are 546 magisterial district judges based in community courts throughout the Commonwealth. These judges are not required to be lawyers, but they must undergo legal training and attend continuing legal education programs.
In Philadelphia, the minor courts are made up of a Municipal Court and a separate Traffic Court, each with its own elected judges.
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