Each Judge holds court for six months in each district within the division. Each Judge spends at least six months in their district every six years. Both civil and criminal cases are heard in District Court. Civil cases also include domestic relation matters such as divorce, custody and support of children. A jury may be requested by either or both parties.
Criminal trials are always without a jury.
This court has authority to conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases to determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to bind the defendant over to the Grand Jury for indictment and then to stand trial in Superior Court. The District Court also has jurisdiction over juvenile matters. District Court Judges are elected by the voters of their judicial district and serve a four-year term. The Clerk of Superior Court is elected for a four-year term by the voters of the county. The Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for all clerical and record keeping functions of the Superior and District Courts.