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 32-2-49 is assigned Bethel, Chadds Ford, Concord and Thornbury Townships, 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.
Four mostly suburban and rural townships share this district because Pennsylvania draws magisterial districts by caseload and geography. The office sits on Baltimore Pike in the Glen Mills postal area, which is a mailing name used across several townships, not a separate borough or court district.
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.