Magisterial District Courts are the first level of Pennsylvania's court system. In Delaware County they sit within the 32nd Judicial District, and each is assigned specific municipalities, wards or precincts. District Court 32-1-23 is assigned Collingdale Borough Wards 1, 2, 3 and 7, and Darby Borough Wards 1 and 2 and Ward 3 Precinct 2.
In criminal matters, a Magisterial District Judge may handle preliminary arraignments, set initial bail when acting as the bail authority, issue certain warrants and hold preliminary hearings. District courts also hear summary, traffic and some civil matters, but this guide focuses on criminal cases and bail.
Both boroughs are divided between courts. Collingdale's other wards (4, 5 and 6) go to District Court 32-2-42 in Glenolden, and Darby Borough Ward 3 Precinct 1 goes to District Court 32-2-37 in Darby. Those courts handle their own cases; 32-1-23 does not take them.
When a case is held for court after a preliminary hearing, it moves to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media for formal arraignment, motions, pleas, trial and sentencing.