Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction

The Courts of Limited Jurisdiction are the courts in Montana where citizens will generally first contact the justice system. There are three types of limited jurisdiction courts: justice courts, city courts and municipal courts. There are 66 justice courts, 81 city courts and five municipal courts across the state.

Jurisdiction

Although jurisdiction in these courts varies slightly between the justice courts, city courts and municipal courts, collectively they hear cases regarding misdemeanors, civil complaints where the amount in questions in less than $7,000 (complaints concerning higher amounts go to the district courts), landlord/tenant disputes, small claims (of amounts less than $3,000), local ordinance issues, forcible entry and detainer, protection orders, and some juvenile matters.

Appeals of decisions made by these courts can be appealed to the Montana District Courts.

Judges

Judges of the limited jurisdiction courts reach office through either election or appointment.

• Justice court judges are elected (mid term vacancies are filled via appointment).
• City court judges may be elected or appointed.
• Municipal court judges are elected (mid term vacancies are filled via appointment).

If a judge was appointed they must run for election at the end of their appointed term if they wish to retain office. All terms are four years.

Municipal court judges are required to be attorneys. City and justice court judges are not. Many individuals serve as both city court judges and as justices of the peace.

A judge may lose their office by failing to pass a Certification Examination each term or by failing to attend two training conferences per year.

See also

• Courts in Montana
• Montana City Courts
• Montana Justice Courts
• Montana Municipal Courts

External links

• Montana Judicial Branch, "Montana Limited Court Judges - 2013"
• Montana Judicial Branch, "Montana Judges' Deskbook"
• Montana Judicial Branch, "Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Case Filing Statistical Summary"

Footnotes

Montana courts

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Federal courts:

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Montana • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Montana

State courts:

Montana Supreme Court • Montana District Courts • Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction • Montana Water Court • Montana Workers' Compensation Court

State resources:

Courts in Montana • Montana judicial elections • Judicial selection in Montana