Limited Jurisdiction Courts

Limited Jurisdiction Courts

What Do They Do?

Courts of limited jurisdiction include city courts and justice courts. These courts are called limited jurisdiction because they only handle certain case types. These case types include: civil traffic tickets, misdemeanor criminal cases, and orders of protection. Justice courts also handle evictions and small claims actions (under $10,000).

What Don’t They Do?

They will not hear civil disputes involving amounts of $10,000.00 or more, and they do not handle felony cases.

What’s The Difference Between A City Court And A Justice Court?

 City court judges are appointed by the city. Justice court judges (justices of the peace) are elected. Whether a defendant ends up in city court or a justice court depends on which law enforcement agency issues the ticket. If the city police issue the ticket, it will go to a city court. If the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Sheriff, or tribal police issue a ticket, it will go to a justice court.