Law
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Police Court?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A police court is a lower court which handles minor criminal matters and may also remand people to jail to await trial if they are suspected of more serious crimes. Many jurisdictions use police courts to handle minor matters so that upper courts can be freed to handle more serious legal issues. This type of court is also sometimes referred to as a municipal court, a magistrate's court, and a judge's court. It is important to be aware that the term “municipal court” is also sometimes used to refer to a court which can handle civil as well as criminal cases, which is not the case with a police court.

The police court is presided over by a judge. Many cases are decided by the judge alone without the need for a jury, although a jury can be assembled for cases in which a jury trial is required. Jury service in a police court counts as a session of jury service, and once people have served they cannot be called again in another court until a set period of time has elapsed. The amount of time which is required between jury summons varies depending on the regional need for jurors.

If someone want to fight a traffic ticket, the case can be tried in the police court.
If someone want to fight a traffic ticket, the case can be tried in the police court.

Matters handled in a police court include very mild misdemeanors as well as violations of municipal ordinances. The judge can fine people or sentence them to community service, and in some cases people may face a brief period of time in jail. In the event that someone is accused of a more serious crime and brought into a police court, the court cannot try the case, but it can rule that the suspect be held in jail pending trial or a bail hearing.

A police court is considered a lower court which handles minor criminal matters.
A police court is considered a lower court which handles minor criminal matters.

A classic example of a matter which might be handled in a police court is a traffic infraction. Many people who receive traffic tickets simply plead guilty, in which case they will be asked to pay a fine and may be asked to attend traffic school. In the event that someone intends to plead not guilty, the case can be tried in the police court. Other minor infractions which might be handled by such a court include violations of the municipal code such as littering, failing to abide by noise ordinances, and so forth.

Police court is presided over by a judge, who may decide the case without the need for a jury.
Police court is presided over by a judge, who may decide the case without the need for a jury.

Although a police court is an inferior court, people are expected to maintain the same behavioral standards they would observe in any courtroom. People must dress neatly and reasonably for the court, although they do not need to adopt the formal dress which might be required for an appearance in federal or national court. Attendees of the court must also rise when the judge enters, comply with requests for quiet, and refrain from being disrespectful.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • If someone want to fight a traffic ticket, the case can be tried in the police court.
      By: petert2
      If someone want to fight a traffic ticket, the case can be tried in the police court.
    • A police court is considered a lower court which handles minor criminal matters.
      By: aijohn784
      A police court is considered a lower court which handles minor criminal matters.
    • Police court is presided over by a judge, who may decide the case without the need for a jury.
      By: Geo Martinez
      Police court is presided over by a judge, who may decide the case without the need for a jury.