| Appealing
the Decision of a Magisterial District Judge |
|
If
you are not satisfied with a decision made by a district judge
you have the right to take an appeal from that decision to
the Court of Common Pleas within specified time limits. |
|
Appeals
in civil matters are filed in the Prothonotary’s office,
while appeals in criminal and traffic cases are filed in the
Clerk of Courts office. Fee schedules for both row offices
can be found on this website. |
|
| An
appeal of a decision rendered by a district judge in a civil
matter is heard by a board of arbitrators after all the pleadings
are closed, discovery completed and a certificate of readiness
filed. An arbitration panel is comprised of three members
of the Beaver County Bar Association and is appointed by the
Court Administrator’s office. The Chairman of the Board
of Arbitrators then schedules a date and time for the case
to be heard. |
|
In
a matter involving a summary offense, the appeal will be heard
by a Court of Common Pleas Judge. These hearings are scheduled
by the Court Administrator’s office. All parties to
an appeal are notified as to the date and time of the hearing.
|
|
Please
be aware that employees in the Magisterial District Judge
offices are not permitted to give legal advice. In the event
you have questions regarding the appeal process, please consult
an attorney for advice. |
|
If
you are representing yourself, there are research materials
available in the Beaver County Law Library, which is located
in the basement of the Courthouse. The library is open Monday
– Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except from 12:00
p.m. – 1:00 p.m. You may also be interested in visiting
the Law Library portion of this website which contains links
to many legal resources. |
