Temporary Emergency Operations – Magisterial District Courts (UPDATED 10/08/20) ***Beginning June 1, 2020, this Court will resume normal business hours and commence regular operations on a limited access basis. Hearing and Trial Notices will be sent by mail or delivered by Constable. Upon receiving your notice/subpoena, PLEASE CONTACT THE COURT TO PROVIDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS.*** Everyone entering the facility must wear a mask and participate in physical distancing. Anyone with a fever or exhibiting flu-like symptoms will NOT be permitted to enter this facility for any reason! Those filing new complaints may do so by regular mail, email mdj19301@YorkCountyPA.gov or fax 717-246-1553 and paying by phone. Fillable forms for all types of filings can be found under Claim Forms Menu. Access will be limited to those who need to file in-person. (Effective September 2, 2020 we will accept ALL Landlord Tenant claims in compliance with the Federal CDC Order and CARES Act exemptions.) We encourage all Payments to be made online, by U.S. mail addressed to this office or by utilizing the drop box next to the front door however in-person payments will be accepted on a limited access basis. Thank You for your cooperation, we apologize for the inconvenience...

Office Hours

Monday - Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Welcome to the Magisterial District Court serving Windsor, Lower Windsor and Chanceford Townships and the Boroughs of Red Lion, East Prospect, Windsor, Felton and Yorkana along with the School Districts of Red Lion and Eastern York.

The District Court is the first tier of the Unified Judicial System in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The 19th Judicial District is comprised of 19 Magisterial District Judges providing service to local constituents in various municipalities throughout the County of York.

The District Court has primary jurisdiction to conduct non-jury trials in Summary Traffic, Criminal, and Ordinance cases as well as Landlord Tenant actions.  The Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Common Pleas to hear Civil Claims (Contract and Tort/Trespass cases) up to $12,000.00 exclusive of interest and costs.  Additionally, this Court conducts Preliminary Arraignments, sets Bail and presides over Preliminary Hearings to determine the sufficiency of evidence.  The Magisterial District Judge has the authority to issue Criminal Warrants, Search Warrants and Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders (Emergency PFAs) and provide Notary Service.

The minor courts, also called special courts or courts of limited or initial jurisdiction, constitute the “grass roots” level of Pennsylvania’s court system. For many Pennsylvanians these are the first, and often the only, courts they will ever encounter.