The council-manager plan places complete responsibility for municipal affairs in the council. The council appoints a municipal manager who is the chief executive with broad authority. The small municipality plan can be adopted by communities with a population of fewer than 12,000. All legislative powers are vested in the council with the mayor presiding over council sessions and having both voice and vote. Municipal Courts Municipal courts exist to enforce local ordinances and parking, motor vehicle, disorderly persons, fish, game and navigation laws.
Municipal courts hold preliminary hearings for persons arrested for serious crimes.
At such first appearance hearings, the judge informs individuals of their constitutional rights and in consultation with the county prosecutor will arrange bail or hold an individual for grand jury action. A municipal court may also try some types of criminal cases where the accused waives the right to indictment and trial by jury. In municipal court the judge handles cases alone without a jury. Municipal court judges are appointed by the local governing body and must be members of the New Jersey Bar. If a court covers two or more municipalities, the appointment is made by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.