Formerly known as resident magistrates but in June 2008 they were renamed as District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts).
District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts) deal with both criminal and civil cases. All criminal cases, even the most serious, are heard in the first instance in the magistrates’ court (see committal proceedings).
District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts) also exercise a wide range of civil jurisdiction including the recovery of debt, ejectments, domestic/affiliation proceedings and Public Health legislation, certain planning appeals, applications under the Education and Library Orders and Electoral Law matters.