There are approximately 363 incorporated cities in North Dakota. Currently, there are 78 municipal judges.
State law permits an individual to serve more than one city as a municipal judge.
Under state law, each municipality has the option of deciding whether or not to have a municipal judge. State law permits district court judges to hear municipal ordinance violation cases and permits cities to contract with the state to provide municipal ordinance violation court services. Municipal judges have jurisdiction over all violations of municipal ordinances, except certain violations involving juveniles. Violations of state law are not within the jurisdiction of the municipal courts. A municipal judge is elected for a four-year term.