reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:7-a - Qualifications of Jurors.

500-A:7-a Qualifications of Jurors. –
I. A juror shall be 18 years of age or older on or before the first day of reporting for jury duty.
II. A juror shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the county of jury service.
III. A juror shall have the ability to read, speak, and understand the English language.
IV. A juror shall not be subject to any physical or mental disability which would bar effective jury service.
V. A juror shall not have been convicted of any felony unless the conviction has been annulled.
Source.
1998, 237:5, eff. Jan. 1, 1999. 2014, 204:33, eff. July 11, 2014.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:8 - Term of Service.

500-A:8 Term of Service. –
Any person who is summoned to serve as a juror on the petit or grand jury shall not be required to serve a term longer than 30 days. A juror who is sitting on a trial in progress or a grand jury hearing in progress shall be required to serve until the trial or hearing is completed.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1973, 290:1. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:9 - Exemption From Jury Service.

500-A:9 Exemption From Jury Service. –
No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service, except under the following circumstances:
I. [Repealed.]
II. If any person at the age of 70 years or more is selected as a juror he or she may, at his or her discretion, inform the court prior to the convening of court that he or she does not wish to act as a juror. He or she shall then be discharged, and another juror may be drawn in his or her place.
III. If any member of the general court or delegate to a constitutional convention is selected as a juror when the general court or a constitutional convention is in session, he or she may inform the court that he or she does not wish to act as a juror.
IV. No person shall serve as a petit juror at a term of court at which he or she has a case pending which may be tried by the jury at that time.
V, VI. [Repealed.]
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2. 1995, 277:14. 1998, 237:7, eff. Jan. 1, 1999. 2013, 261:5, eff. July 1, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:10 - Discharge by Court.

500-A:10 Discharge by Court. –
If a person selected and attending court as a juror is deemed by the court to be mentally or physically unfit to act as a juror, he or she shall be discharged.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1977, 147:1. 1981, 527:2. 1992, 38:4, eff. Jan. 1, 1993. 2013, 261:6, eff. July 1, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:11 - Excuse From Jury Service.

500-A:11 Excuse From Jury Service. –
A person who is not disqualified for jury service may be excused from jury service by the court only upon a showing of undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, public necessity or for any other cause that the court deems appropriate. The person may be excused for the time deemed necessary by the court and shall report again for jury service, as directed by the court.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:12 - Examination.

500-A:12 Examination. –
I. Any juror may be required by the court, on motion of a party in the case to be tried, to answer upon oath if he:
(a) Expects to gain or lose upon the disposition of the case;
(b) Is related to either party;
(c) Has advised or assisted either party;
(d) Has directly or indirectly given his opinion or has formed an opinion;
(e) Is employed by or employs any party in the case;
(f) Is prejudiced to any degree regarding the case; or
(g) Employs any of the counsel appearing in the case in any action then pending in the court.
II. If it appears that any juror is not indifferent, he shall be set aside on that trial.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2. 1988, 76:1, eff. June 14, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:13 - Alternate Juror.

500-A:13 Alternate Juror. –
I. In the trial in the superior court of any civil or criminal case, when it appears to the presiding justice that there is reason for the selection of alternate jurors, the jurors shall, at the direction of the presiding justice, be drawn, selected and empaneled in the same manner as the regular jurors.
II. The alternate jurors shall:
(a) Be sworn with and seated near the jury with equal opportunity for seeing and hearing the proceedings;
(b) Attend the trial at all times with the jury;
(c) Obey all orders and admonitions of the court to the jury; and
(d) Be kept with the jury if the court orders the jury to be kept together.
III. The alternate jurors shall be liable as regular jurors for failure to attend the trial or to obey any order or admonition of the court to the jury. They shall receive the same compensation as other jurors. At the final submission of the case to the jury, any remaining alternate jurors who have not been substituted under paragraph IV, may be excused by the court or, if required to remain at court, shall be kept separate and apart from the other jurors in an appropriate place, subject to the same rules and orders as the jurors, until the jury has agreed upon a verdict or has been otherwise discharged.
IV. If, before the final submission of the case to the jury, one or more jurors becomes incapacitated, is disqualified or dies, his place shall be taken, upon the order of the court, by an alternate juror who shall become one of the jury and serve in all respects as if selected as an original juror.
V. If, at any time after the final submission of the case to the jury, and before the jury has agreed on a verdict, a juror becomes incapacitated, is disqualified, or dies, the presiding justice may order him or her to be discharged and direct the clerk to select at random the name of an alternate, who shall then take the place of the discharged juror on the jury. Before making a substitution, the presiding justice shall make a finding on record that the substitution will not cause prejudice to any party. The presiding justice shall instruct the jury to recommence deliberations and shall give the jury such other supplemental instructions as may be appropriate. The jury shall then renew its deliberations with the alternate juror.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1977, 473:2; 588:8. 1981, 527:2. 1993, 255:1, 2. 1994, 23:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995. 2013, 261:7, eff. July 1, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:14 - Protection of Juror's Employment; Action Brought by Employee.

500-A:14 Protection of Juror's Employment;  Action Brought by Employee. –
I. An employer shall not deprive an employee of his employment, or threaten or coerce him regarding his employment because the employee receives and responds to a summons, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service.
II. Any employer who violates paragraph I may be found in contempt of court.
III. If an employer discharges an employee in violation of paragraph I, the employee may, within one year of the discharge, bring a civil action for:
(a) Recovery of wages lost as a result of the violation; and
(b) An order requiring his reinstatement.
IV. Damages recovered shall not exceed lost wages. If an employee prevails in an action under paragraph III, the employee shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the court.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:15 - Compensation of Jurors.

500-A:15 Compensation of Jurors. –
I. Grand and petit jurors' fees and mileage shall be paid by the state. The jurors' fees shall be $10 for each half day's attendance before a superior court; for each mile's travel to and from the place where the juror serves, mileage shall be paid at the rate of $.20 per mile, mileage to be allowed for each day's attendance when the juror is required to leave the town or city in which he resides.
II. For the purposes of this section "attendance for a half day" means attendance either at the forenoon session or at the afternoon session.
III. The clerk of the court attended shall determine whether a juror has attended for a half day. Said clerk may count travel time to reach the place where the juror serves in determining attendance of the juror, if the juror is required to travel more than 50 miles one way by the most direct route to reach the court.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2. 1983, 202:1; 383:28, 74, 75. 1991, 355:96, eff. July 1, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:16 - Future Ineligibility.

500-A:16 Future Ineligibility. –
The persons who actually attend court as jurors shall not have their names again placed on the master jury list for at least 3 years.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1975, 291:1. 1979, 259:2. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:17 - Parking for Jurors.

500-A:17 Parking for Jurors. –
Every juror, while in attendance at superior court or the United States district court, shall be allowed free parking in the city or town in which the court is sitting. The clerks of court shall furnish to each juror an identification card for display through the windshield of the juror's car. When his jury service is completed, the juror shall return his identification card to the clerk of court. The form, shape and color of the identification card and the information to be contained on the card shall be approved by the director of the division of motor vehicles. No juror shall use any area limited to 15 minutes of parking or less.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:18 - Oath.

500-A:18 Oath. –
I. The oath to be administered to jurors in civil cases shall be as follows, unless the chief justice of the superior court otherwise directs:
You swear that, in all cases between party and party that shall be committed to you, you will give a true verdict, according to law and evidence given you. So help you God.
II. If any person selected as a juror is of a denomination called Quakers or is scrupulous of swearing, and declines to take the oath, the person shall take and subscribe the oath, omitting the words "swear" and "so help me God", substituting in place thereof, "affirm" and "this I do under the pains and penalties of perjury".
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:19 - Penalty for Neglect of Juror.

500-A:19 Penalty for Neglect of Juror. –
Any person who, without sufficient cause, neglects to attend court after having been selected as a juror and duly notified to so attend, may be found in contempt of court.
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2, eff. Aug. 28, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 500-A - Jurors › Section 500-A:20 - Penalties.

500-A:20 Penalties. –
I. Any person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor who:
(a) Is notified as a prospective juror and does not appear as directed by the clerk in accordance with RSA 500-A:7 and does not show cause for his failure to appear when ordered to do so by the court; or
(b) Willfully misrepresents a material fact on a juror qualification form with the purpose of avoiding or securing service as a juror.
II. [Repealed.]
Source.
1971, 456:10. 1981, 527:2. 1992, 38:5, II, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 501-A - Fees for Justices of the Peace and Municipal Court Clerks › Section 501-A:1 - Fees for Justices of the Peace for Administering Oaths.

501-A:1 Fees for Justices of the Peace for Administering Oaths. –
For administering and certifying oaths, except the oaths of office of town officers, a justice of the peace shall be entitled to a fee of up to $5 for each oath.
Source.
1957, 244:1. 1967, 244:1. 1990, 16:1, eff. May 12, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 501-A - Fees for Justices of the Peace and Municipal Court Clerks › Section 501-A:2 - Repealed by 1959, 19:4, eff. May 16, 1959.

501-A:2 Repealed by 1959, 19:4, eff. May 16, 1959. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:2 - Sessions in Towns Within District.

502-A:2 Sessions in Towns Within District. –
I. The purpose of the establishment of this system of district courts is to provide the minimum number of courts which will adequately serve the convenience of the public, both transient and permanent residents of this state. To accomplish this purpose, districts must serve certain towns within their district having regard for the parties, the seasonal influx of population in certain areas, and such other considerations as the expeditious and effective administration of justice may require. In addition to the regular sessions which are required to be held in various districts under the provisions of this chapter, or in replacement of a portion of regular sessions, the justice or special justice of each district shall hold special sessions as may best serve the convenience of the communities within their district, provided, however, that no such special session shall be held in any building which does not meet the minimum standards prescribed by the New Hampshire court accreditation commission pursuant to RSA 490:5-c.
II. The administrative judge of the circuit court established in RSA 490-F shall have the authority to and shall, on an annual basis, establish the number of court sessions and the hours and days of operation required for each district court. The administrative judge shall consider the convenience of each court's users, caseload, resources, and security. Each court shall submit a plan for flexible scheduling to the administrative judge that meets the needs of the community served by that court which may include evening, early morning, and/or weekend sessions and other alternative sessions. In evaluating the community need for alternative sessions, the administrative judge and local courts shall evaluate separately civil suits, small claims, order of notice, motor vehicle matters, and criminal cases to determine the needs of the community.
III. Any plan developed and instituted under paragraphs I and II shall not necessitate additional local expenditures by any political subdivision in accordance with part I, article 28-a of the New Hampshire constitution.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1971, 529:1; 584:2. 1975, 248:1. 1981, 578:3. 1985, 315:1; 404:6. 1987, 46:1. 1991, 288:3. 1992, 129:1. 1999, 124:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000. 2011, 88:3, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:4 - Powers of Special Justices.

502-A:4 Powers of Special Justices. –
In the absence, inability or disqualification of the justice of a district court, the special justice shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the justice.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:6 - Salaries of Justices, Special Justices, Clerks.

502-A:6 Salaries of Justices, Special Justices, Clerks. –
The annual salaries of justices, special justices and clerks of the district courts shall be paid by the state as follows:
I. The state shall pay the justices of the district courts either (a) salaries based upon weighted caseload as provided in RSA 491-A:3; or (b) their annual salaries prior to the enactment of RSA 491-A:3; whichever is greater.
I-a. [Repealed.]
II. The annual salaries of the special justices of the district courts appointed prior to July 1, 1987, shall be an amount equal to 30 percent of the salary paid to the justices, as provided in paragraph I, or the current annual salary of the special justice for 1987, whichever is greater. Provided further that the special justice may receive, and all special justices appointed after July 1, 1987, shall receive, per diem compensation determined by the supreme court upon recommendation by the judicial branch administrative council, plus reasonable expenses as determined by the supreme court. In those cases where prior to July 1, 1987, the special justice was paid on a per diem basis, such per diem payment shall continue unless changed by the supreme court. In the event of the death, resignation, or retirement of the justice and when no appointment is made to fill the vacancy caused thereby for a period of 60 days, the special justice shall then be paid the salary of the justice until his vacancy is filled. If the justice is absent due to illness or disqualification for any other reason for a period of more than 60 days, the special justice shall be entitled to the salary of the justice until the justice is able to assume his duties. Whenever a justice or special justice sits in another court by request, he or she shall be paid the same per diem compensation as is generally allowed to per diem special justices sitting in their own courts, plus reasonable expenses.
III. [Repealed.]
IV. [Repealed.]
V. [Repealed.]
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1965, 138:1; 294:1. 1967, 193:1; 438:1. 1969, 124:3-5. 1970, 14:1, 2. 1971, 123:2, 4; 288:1. 1973, 286:1, 3; 413:1; 535:2. 1975, 135:1, 2. 1976, 12:1. 1977, 521:1. 1979, 287:2; 299:14, 16-18; 365:1; 430:2. 1981, 568:136, III. 1983, 383:30-34, 78, IV; 437:1. 1987, 272:2, 3. 1992, 284:33, eff. Jan. 1, 1993. 2011, 88:29(14), 29(15), eff. July 1, 2011. 2019, 89:1, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:6-b - Retired Justices of District Court.

502-A:6-b Retired Justices of District Court. –
Each justice of the district court retired therefrom by age limitation who has served on such court shall upon retirement become a referee. Such referees shall be empowered and may be assigned to act as such in the district courts, and their powers and the procedures for hearings before them shall be determined by statute or rule of court. Such referees shall be allowed their expenses and a per diem compensation determined by the supreme court upon recommendation by the judicial branch administrative council, established pursuant to supreme court rule.
Source.
1992, 284:34, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:6-c - District Court Justices' Expenses.

502-A:6-c District Court Justices' Expenses. –
The justices shall be entitled to receive their actual personal expenses when absent from their assigned court in the performance of their official duties. The justices shall not be reimbursed for mileage to commute from the justice's residence to their assigned court except for any mileage in excess of 50 miles each way.
Source.
2004, 91:3. 2009, 60:4, eff. Aug. 2, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:8 - Duties of Clerks; Disposition of Fines.

502-A:8 Duties of Clerks;  Disposition of Fines. –
I. The clerk of the applicable circuit court established in RSA 490-F shall receive all fines and forfeitures paid into the district court from any source. The clerk of any circuit court may accept payment of the fine by credit card in lieu of cash payment. Any transaction costs assessed by the issuer of the credit card shall be paid out of the portion of the fine amount which is deposited with the treasurer and not out of the penalty assessment charged by a district court. The clerk shall forward fines collected for violations of title XXI to the treasurer for deposit in the highway fund and fines collected for violations of title LXII and all other statutes to the treasurer for deposit in the general fund within 14 days. The clerk shall separately indicate which fines were for violations of title XXI. Fines and forfeitures collected by the clerk for violations of municipal ordinances, codes, or regulations, except those adopted pursuant to RSA 31:39, I(g); RSA 41:11; RSA 47:17, IV, VI, VII, or VIII; and RSA 105:6 and RSA 105:7, shall be remitted monthly to the treasurer of the municipality prosecuting said violations, for the use of the municipality. All expenses related to the processing of parking violations and the administrative collection of parking fines shall be the responsibility of the local unit of government, and all fines collected shall be retained in their entirety by the local unit of government.
II. Nothing in this section shall prevent the court from transferring the collection of fines to a centralized location. Any fines collected by the central location shall be distributed as indicated in paragraph I. References to duties and responsibilities of clerks contained in paragraph I shall be deemed to include the central fine collection center as appropriate.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1967, 324:2. 1973, 108:2. 1981, 146:5, XXI. 1983, 383:36. 1985, 399:3, I. 1989, 410:2. 1991, 201:1. 1994, 273:2. 2009, 144:202, eff. July 1, 2009. 2011, 88:4, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:11 - Criminal Cases; District Courts.

502-A:11 Criminal Cases;  District Courts. –
Each district court shall have the powers of a justice of the peace and quorum throughout the state and shall have original jurisdiction, subject to appeal, of all crimes and offenses committed within the confines of the district in which such court is located which are punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, including all violations of the provisions of RSA 266:16 and RSA 266:25 pertaining to vehicles exceeding permitted size or weight, regardless of whether the defendant is a natural person or any other person.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1977, 281:1. 1981, 146:5, XXII. 1992, 284:35, eff. Jan. 1, 1993. 2011, 88:5, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:11-a - Local Regulation Enforcement.

502-A:11-a Local Regulation Enforcement. –
I. The district court shall have concurrent jurisdiction, subject to appeal, of the prosecution of any violation of a local ordinance, code, or regulation properly adopted pursuant to enabling statutes to the extent that such violation, by statute or by local ordinance, code, or regulation:
(a) Is characterized as a misdemeanor or violation within the meaning of the criminal code, in which case penalties shall be consistent with RSA 651.
(b) Is punishable by a civil penalty, in which case the penalty imposed shall in no event exceed the limits of the district court's civil damages concurrent jurisdiction as set forth in RSA 502-A:14, II.
(c) Is enforceable by local authorities through the issuance of a cease and desist order, and district court judgment upon such order, pursuant to RSA 676:17-a.
II. This section shall not be construed to diminish the jurisdiction of the superior court to hear and decide matters in which municipalities seek to enforce local ordinances, codes, or regulations through equitable or other relief.
III. The jurisdiction conferred by this section shall include the procedure for local land use citations and pleas by mail, as provided by RSA 676:17-b, for any offense encompassed by RSA 676:17, and within the limits of paragraph I of this section.
Source.
1988, 19:1. 1991, 328:2, eff. June 28, 1991; 374:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:12 - Appeals From Sentence.

502-A:12 Appeals From Sentence. –
I. A person sentenced by a district court for a class A misdemeanor after trial or after proceedings pursuant to District Court Rule 2.14 may appeal therefrom to the superior court for a jury trial as provided in RSA 599, except in cases in district courts served by regional jury trial courts as provided in RSA 502-A:12-a.
II. A person sentenced by a district court for a class A misdemeanor may, if no appeal for a jury trial in superior court is taken, appeal therefrom to the supreme court at the time the sentence is declared or within 30 days after the sentence is declared. The supreme court's review shall be limited to questions of law.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1983, 382:5. 1993, 190:16. 1995, 277:16. 2006, 64:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:13-a - Binding Over by Circuit Court District Division.

[RSA 502-A:13-a effective January 1, 2024.]
502-A:13-a Binding Over by Circuit Court District Division. –
Each circuit court district division shall have jurisdiction to commit to jail, or bind over with sufficient sureties to the superior court, all persons charged with offenses exceeding its jurisdiction to try, and any directly related misdemeanor or violation level offenses, committed in the circuit court district division in which the court is located.
Source.
2022, 268:7, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:15 - Jury Trial.

502-A:15 Jury Trial. –
In cases in which the damages claimed exceed $1,500 or the title to real estate is involved, if the defendant, upon the entry of any action for damages under RSA 502-A:14, II or II-a, within 7 days of the return date of the action or within such additional time as the district court for good cause may allow, files a written request for trial by jury, the cause shall be at once transferred to the superior court for the county or judicial region in which the court is located, to be heard and tried as if originally entered in the transferee court. The original entry fee and cost of transferring the action shall be paid by the moving party but shall be recoverable as costs if the moving party prevails in the action. If, after transfer for trial by jury, the moving party waives the right to jury trial, the cause shall at once be remanded to the district court of original jurisdiction.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1983, 382:3. 1991, 47:4. 1992, 284:38, eff. Jan. 1, 1993. 2011, 88:6, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:16 - Venue in Civil Causes.

502-A:16 Venue in Civil Causes. –
Actions shall be returnable to the district court of the judicial district where either plaintiff or defendant resides; except that actions arising under RSA 540, relative to actions against tenants, may also be returnable in the judicial district in which the real property in question is located. For the purposes of this section, a partnership or a corporation shall be deemed to reside in any judicial district in which it maintains an office or place of business.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1987, 302:1. 1991, 203:1, eff. July 27, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:16-a - Change of Venue in Possessory Actions Regarding Residential Property.

502-A:16-a Change of Venue in Possessory Actions Regarding Residential Property. –
Venue in possessory actions concerning residential property brought pursuant to RSA 540 which are initiated in a judicial district other than that in which the defendant resides may be transferred as follows:
I. In cases based on grounds other than nonpayment of rent, venue shall be transferred to the judicial district in which the defendant resides at the request of the defendant.
II. In cases based on nonpayment of rent, venue may be transferred to the judicial district in which defendant resides when the court, in its discretion, determines that justice so requires.
Source.
1998, 25:7, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:17 - Attachments and Executions.

502-A:17 Attachments and Executions. –
Attachments and levies of execution on personal property and real estate may be made in civil causes in said district courts as provided in RSA 511, 528 and 529.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:17-a - Transfers to Supreme Court.

502-A:17-a Transfers to Supreme Court. –
In any criminal case or civil cause in any district court, questions of law may be transferred to the supreme court in the same manner as that from the superior court under RSA 491:17; provided that the district court justice hearing the case to be transferred shall, if either party requests it, file as a part of the transferred case his findings, in writing, stating the facts found and his rulings of law.
Source.
1967, 40:1. 1971, 507:3, eff. Sept. 4, 1971.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:20-a - Municipal Prosecutors.

502-A:20-a Municipal Prosecutors. –
Prosecutors appointed under the provisions of RSA 41:10-a are hereby empowered to represent the state in district courts in cases within the jurisdiction of said courts unless the prosecutorial jurisdiction over a particular case or class of cases is pre-empted by the county attorney or the attorney general.
Source.
1977, 374:4, eff. Aug. 30, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:21-a - Full-Time District Court Justices.

502-A:21-a Full-Time District Court Justices. –
A district court justice designated to be full-time under RSA 491-A:3, IV shall not be permitted to engage in the practice of law to any degree. Full-time justices shall receive the salary specified in RSA 491-A:1. Full-time justices chosen pursuant to this section shall, when requested by the supreme court, assist other district courts whenever a justice in such other court is disqualified, disabled, otherwise unable to sit, or in need of assistance.
Source.
1987, 272:5, eff. July 1, 1987.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:22 - Civil Sessions.

502-A:22 Civil Sessions. –
A session of each district court for the trial of civil actions shall be held on some day of each month to be fixed by a rule of court and may be adjourned from day to day, or to a future day not beyond the next established session.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:23 - Judicial Robes.

502-A:23 Judicial Robes. –
The justice of a district court shall wear an appropriate black judicial robe whenever his court is convened in criminal or civil session. Such robes shall be paid for by the state.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1983, 383:39, eff. July 1, 1984.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:24 - Writs.

502-A:24 Writs. –
Writs and processes, issuing returnable to any district court, shall be in the name of the state of New Hampshire, shall be under the seal of the court, shall bear the teste of the justice, if not a party, otherwise of the special justice, and shall be signed by the clerk.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:25 - Service of.

502-A:25 Service of. –
All writs and civil actions, except as otherwise provided, shall be served 14 days before the return day which they are returnable.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:26 - Return Day.

502-A:26 Return Day. –
In civil causes to recover damages, the first Tuesday of every month shall be return day, except as otherwise provided, and writs may be made returnable at the election of the party who takes out the same, subject to the requirements for service, at any return day within 2 months from the date thereof.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27 - Executions.

502-A:27 Executions. –
Executions on judgments rendered in district courts shall not be issued until after the time for appeal has expired and shall be returnable within 90 days from the date of issue.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1985, 325:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27-a - Destruction of Records.

502-A:27-a Destruction of Records. –
The district court, subject to the approval of the supreme court, shall establish retention and destruction schedules for those original files, papers and records in cases and matters disposed of by the court. The district court shall be responsible for the implementation of the schedules and for directing that any files having the potential for historical significance shall be preserved or transferred to any public historical society or corporation organized for the preservation of historical documents. The schedule may provide for original records to be sent to the records center established under RSA 5.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1989, 243:1. 1992, 284:40, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27-b - Financial Records.

502-A:27-b Financial Records. –
The retention and destruction policy established by RSA 502-A:27-a shall provide for financial records to be retained for the current fiscal year and the preceding 5 fiscal years.
Source.
1967, 138:1. 1992, 284:41, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27-c - Powers of the District Court.

502-A:27-c Powers of the District Court. –
The district courts are hereby empowered to grant motions for summary judgment in accordance with the procedure prescribed in RSA 491:8-a.
Source.
1973, 130:1, eff. July 13, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27-d - Use of Recording Devices.

502-A:27-d Use of Recording Devices. –
Upon petition by any party the court may, in its discretion, allow said party to record the proceedings by any recording device. The recordings shall be made at the expense of the petitioner, except as provided under RSA 599:1-c for violations. If in a criminal proceeding the defendant is indigent, the defendant shall upon request at least 5 days prior to any hearing or trial be entitled to a sound recording of the proceedings at state expense. The court shall give written notice to a defendant charged with a class B misdemeanor that the defendant shall, upon request at least 5 days prior to any hearing or trial, be entitled to a sound recording of the proceedings at state expense.
Source.
1973, 536:2. 1985, 341:7. 1992, 269:5, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:27-e - Arrest Warrants; Copies Transmitted to State Police.

502-A:27-e Arrest Warrants;  Copies Transmitted to State Police. –
A copy of each arrest warrant issued by a court shall be transmitted by computer to the division of state police. The state police shall make information regarding the warrant available to the arresting police department and all local police departments and sheriffs. In the eleventh month after the warrant is issued, the state police shall contact the court which issued the warrant for updated information and the court shall reissue the warrant if the state still has a case against the defendant.
Source.
1992, 257:26.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:28 - District Court Fees.

502-A:28 District Court Fees. –
I. Fees as established by the supreme court under RSA 490:26-a shall be paid to the clerk of each applicable circuit court established in RSA 490-F for the benefit of the state.
II. The clerk shall set aside 6 percent of each entry fee paid into the court for deposit into a special escrow account established under RSA 490:26-c and 30 percent of each entry fee paid into the court for deposit into the judicial branch information technology fund established under RSA 490:26-h. The proceeds of fees for motions to appear in court pro hac vice shall be paid into the law library revolving fund established in RSA 490:25, III.
III. The sum of $10 shall be added to each entry fee collected in the district courts for civil writs and shall be deposited in the mediation and arbitration fund established under RSA 490-E:4. Costs of the civil writ mediation program in the district courts shall be paid from this fund. The following shall apply to the civil writ mediation program in the district courts:
(a) Participation in the mediation session shall not be mandated by the court;
(b) Mediation reports and proceedings shall not be released to any judge or other officers of the court who may later decide or rule on the case without the written consent of all parties participating in the mediation; and
(c) Statements made during mediation sessions by the parties or their counsel shall not be considered competent or admissible evidence for any purpose during any subsequent proceedings in that case or any other civil or administrative proceeding.
Source.
1963, 331:1. 1971, 393:1. 1981, 562:5. 1983, 383:40. 2007, 234:6. 2009, 144:298, eff. July 1, 2009; 253:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2010. 2011, 88:7, eff. July 1, 2011. 2013, 88:5, eff. July 1, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:29 - Other Fees.

502-A:29 Other Fees. –
For other certificates or papers which he or she is authorized to make or certify, the clerk of a circuit court shall receive the same fees as a clerk of the superior court.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964. 2011, 88:8, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 502-A - District Courts › Section 502-A:30 - Travel, Etc.

502-A:30 Travel, Etc. –
Travel and attendance of parties and other costs and fees shall be allowed as in the superior court, except that the plaintiff shall be allowed no more travel than if he lived within 10 miles of the place of trial, unless he appears in person.
Source.
1963, 331:1, eff. July 1, 1964.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:1 - Small Claim Defined.

503:1 Small Claim Defined. –
I. A small claim is any right of action not involving the title to real estate in which the debt or damages, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed $10,000.
II. Any person may file a small claims action as provided in this chapter, unless trial by jury is claimed by the plaintiff when the debt or damages exceed $1,500 or when the defendant claims trial by jury as provided in paragraph III.
III. When the debt or damages claimed exceed $1,500, a defendant may claim trial by jury by filing a written request within 5 business days of the filing of the application and statement of the claim under RSA 503:3 or within such additional time as the municipal or district court may for good cause allow. If such a request is filed, the case shall be transferred at once to the superior court in the county in which the town or district is located and heard and tried as if originally entered in the superior court. The original entry fee shall be paid by the plaintiff, but is recoverable as a cost if the plaintiff prevails. The small claims transfer fee shall be paid by the defendant, but is recoverable as a cost if the defendant prevails.
IV. When the amount of debt or damages exceeds $5,000 and no claim is made for trial by jury under paragraph III, the parties to the action shall be required to participate in a mediation program in the district courts approved by the office of mediation and arbitration established under RSA 490-E. If mediation of such action does not result in resolution of the action, the case shall be presented to the judge under oath.
Source.
1939, 179:1. RL 378:1. 1951, 161:1. RSA 503:1. 1957, 35:1. 1969, 154:1. 1971, 377:1. 1975, 404:1. 1983, 283:1. 1985, 182:1. 1988, 67:1. 1991, 47:1. 1998, 47:1. 2009, 79:1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2010. 2010, 242:1, eff. July 1, 2010. 2014, 186:5, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:2 - Procedure Established.

503:2 Procedure Established. –
There is hereby established a simple, speedy, and informal procedure which a plaintiff or his authorized attorney may pursue in an action commenced before a justice of a district or municipal court for the determination of a small claim. Such procedure shall be alternative and not exclusive.
Source.
1939, 179:2. RL 378:2.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:2-a - Representation by Attorneys.

503:2-a Representation by Attorneys. –
I. Any attorney appearing in a small claims action on behalf of a party shall file an appearance with the court and shall provide copies of that appearance to all opposing parties at least 7 days prior to the hearing date.
II. The court shall give notice of the requirement to file an appearance under paragraph I to all parties in small claims actions.
III. Any party which fails to receive timely notice under paragraph II may request a continuance, which the court shall ordinarily grant.
Source.
1992, 228:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:3 - Process.

503:3 Process. –
An action on a small claim may be commenced by filing an application in the district or municipal court having jurisdiction. The application may be filed by a person or his authorized attorney and shall set forth a statement of the claim, including the names of the parties involved, the residence of each party, the basis of the claim, and the amount alleged to be due. Upon the filing of such an application and the payment of the required fee, the clerk shall set a time and place for hearing.
Source.
1939, 179:3. 1941, 138:2. RL 378:3. 1945, 70:2. 1953, 98:1. RSA 503:3. 1979, 158:1. 1985, 182:2, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:3-a - Entry of Claims; Generally.

503:3-a Entry of Claims;  Generally. –
The statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of a municipal court in the town in which the defendant or the plaintiff resides. If there is no municipal court in the town in which the defendant or the plaintiff resides, the statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of the district court in which district the defendant or the plaintiff resides.
Source.
1965, 327:5. 1975, 222:1, eff. Aug. 2, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:3-b - Entry of Claims; Nonresident Defendant.

503:3-b Entry of Claims;  Nonresident Defendant. –
The statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of a municipal court in the town in which the defendant resides. If there is no municipal court in the town in which the defendant resides, the statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of the district court in which district the defendant resides. If the defendant is not a resident of this state, the claim may be filed in the court of any town or district where the defendant, in person or through an agent: transacts any business; makes a contract with the resident of the town or district; commits a tortious act; or owns, uses or possesses any real or personal property.
Source.
1975, 262:1, eff. Aug. 5, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:4 - Disposition of Fees.

503:4 Disposition of Fees. –
I. The clerk shall receive the entry fee for the use of the state and shall pay the postage for mailing the statement to the defendant required in RSA 503:6.
II. The sum of $5 shall be added to each entry fee collected in the district courts for small claims actions in which the amount of debt or damages is $5,000 or less and the sum of $60 shall be added to each entry fee collected in the district courts for small claims actions in which the amount of debt or damages exceeds $5,000. Such sums shall be deposited in the mediation and arbitration fund established under RSA 490-E:4.
Source.
1939, 179:4. 1941, 138:3. RL 378:4. 1945, 70:1. RSA 503:4. 1973, 309:1. 1983, 383:42. 2005, 193:2. 2007, 344:4. 2009, 79:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:6 - Notice to Defendant.

503:6 Notice to Defendant. –
I. The court shall cause notice of the claim and the substance thereof to be given to the defendant, whether or not the defendant is a resident of this state, by sending a written statement to the defendant by postpaid first class mail, addressed to the defendant at the defendant's last known post office address and directing the defendant to indicate, in writing within 30 days from the date said notice is mailed, the defendant's desire to be heard.
II. If the defendant fails to respond to the notice and the notice is not returned as undelivered, a default judgment will be entered in favor of the plaintiff, who shall be notified by the court.
III. If the notice is returned as undelivered, then the court shall direct the plaintiff to complete service on the defendant, at the expense of the plaintiff, as in all other actions at law.
IV. If the defendant responds to the notice indicating a desire to be heard, the case shall be scheduled for hearing shortly thereafter. Both parties shall be notified by mail of the date and time of the hearing at least 14 days in advance of the hearing.
V. [Repealed.]
Source.
1939, 179:6. 1941, 138:1. RL 378:6. RSA 503:6. 1975, 262:2. 1985, 182:4. 2007, 86:1. 2009, 302:8, 9, eff. Sept. 29, 2009. 2010, 242:2, eff. July 1, 2010. 2014, 194:2, 6, II, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:7 - Judgment.

503:7 Judgment. –
At the hearing, the technical rules of evidence shall not apply but the justice may admit any evidence he deems material and proper. Judgment shall be entered for the prevailing party and, if the plaintiff recovers, his costs and interest shall be awarded to him in addition to the judgment in his behalf. In awarding judgment, the justice may provide for payment thereof in installments. The court shall render judgment for the plaintiff when the defendant fails to appear pursuant to said notice.
Source.
1939, 179:7. RL 378:7. RSA 503:7. 1986, 30:1, eff. June 28, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:8 - Proceedings After Judgment.

503:8 Proceedings After Judgment. –
All proceedings subsequent to the rendition of judgment shall follow existing practice and procedure.
Source.
1939, 179:8. RL 378:8. RSA 503:8. 1957, 26:2. 1985, 182:5, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title LI - Courts › Chapter 503 - Litigation of Small Claims › Section 503:9 - Transfer to the Supreme Court.

503:9 Transfer to the Supreme Court. –
The findings of fact by the justice hearing the claim shall be final, but questions of law may be transferred to the supreme court in the same manner as from the superior court.
Source.
1965, 327:6, eff. Sept. 6, 1965.