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 32-2-42 is assigned Glenolden Borough, Norwood Borough and Collingdale Borough Wards 4, 5 and 6.
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.
Glenolden and Norwood are covered in full, but only three of Collingdale's seven wards. The rest of Collingdale goes to District Court 32-1-23, which sits inside Collingdale itself.
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.