In misdemeanor and infraction cases, the District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction that, with respect to very minor offenses, it shares with the magistrate. Trial of a criminal case in District Court is always without a jury. The District Court also has jurisdiction over juvenile matters. Proceedings involving children who may be found to belong in one of these statutory categories are initiated by petition, and the hearing conducted by the judge may be less formal than in adult cases. Juveniles alleged to be delinquent are entitled to have the court appoint counsel for them.
Magisterial jurisdiction is both civil and criminal.
The magistrate also issues arrest and search warrants and sets bail and conditions of pretrial release. There are no jury trials before a magistrate. The Constitution provides for one or more Magistrates to be appointed in each county.