Section 27. Jurisdiction of justices of the peace
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Jurisdiction of justices of the peace
The several Justices of the Peace shall have jurisdiction, under such regulations as the General Assembly shall prescribe, of civil actions founded on contract, wherein the sum demanded shall not exceed two hundred dollars, and wherein the title to real estate shall not be in controversy; and of all criminal matters arising within their counties where the punishment cannot exceed a fine of fifty dollars, or imprisonment for thirty days. And the General Assembly may give to Justices of the Peace jurisdiction of other civil actions, wherein the value of the property in controversy does not exceed fifty dollars. When an issue of fact shall be joined before a Justice, on demand of either party thereto he shall cause a jury of six men to be summoned who shall try the same. The party against whom judgment shall be rendered in any civil action may appeal to the Superior Court from the same. In all cases of a criminal nature, the party against whom judgment is given may appeal to the Superior Court, where the matter shall be heard anew. In all cases brought before a Justice, he shall make a record of the proceedings, and file the same with the Clerk of the Superior Court for his county.
Jurisdiction of justices of the peace
The several Justices of the Peace shall have exclusive original jurisdiction under such regulations as the General Assembly shall prescribe, of all civil actions, founded on contract, wherein the sum demanded shall not exceed two hundred dollars, and wherein the title to real estate shall not be in controversy; and of all criminal matters arising within their counties, where the punishment cannot exceed a fine of fifty dollars, or imprisonment for one month.
When an issue of fact shall be joined before a Justice, on demand of either party thereto, he shall cause a jury of six men to be summoned, who shall try the same.
The party against whom judgement shall be rendered in any civil action, may appeal to the Superior Court from the same, and, if the judgement shall exceed twenty five dollars, there may be a new trial of the whole matter in the appellate court; but if the judgement shall be for twenty five dollars or less, then the case shall be heard in the appellate court, only upon matters of law.
In all cases of a criminal nature, the party against whom judgment is given may appeal to the Superior Court, where the matter shall be heard anew. In all cases brought before a Justice, he shall make a record of the proceedings, and file the same with the Clerk of the Superior Court for his county.