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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 14, 2014 02:53 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Duane D. Milne |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Cosponsor Legislation – Magisterial District Justices |
| I am planning to introduce legislation which will increase the jurisdictional limit for civil claims tried before a magisterial district justice. Currently, the Judicial Code provides magisterial district justices with jurisdiction over civil claims which do not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs. These civil claims typically involve landlord-tenant actions; breach of contract cases; property damage claims and smaller personal injury cases. My legislation will amend the Judicial Code to increase the jurisdictional limit from $12,000 to $20,000. Parties to such proceedings often litigate smaller claims at the magisterial district justice level without the assistance of counsel. An increase in the jurisdictional limit will allow for additional cases to be disposed of at this level, which is more efficient and less costly than proceeding through the courts of common pleas. In addition, an increase in the jurisdictional limit will reduce civil caseloads in the county courts. This approach also reflects the increased professionalization of the magisterial district justice system in recent years. In 2009, the jurisdictional limit was increased, but it did not go far enough and there is room for greater savings by limiting the amount of civil cases brought before the courts of common pleas. I would welcome your partnership in advancing this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2042