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 32-1-27 is assigned Marple Township and Newtown Township, Delaware County.
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.
One district court covers both townships, so a case that starts with Newtown Township police may still be heard in Broomall. District Court 32-1-27 is also different from District Court 32-2-43, which has a Newtown Square-area address but serves a different jurisdiction.
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.