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. Municipal judges are permitted to practice law with the exception of criminal matters.
Terms are three years with no tenure or mandatory retirement age.