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 32-2-52 is assigned Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Ward 1 (Precincts 4 and 7), Ward 2 and Ward 5 Precinct 9.
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.
The office sits in Secane, a community name used in parts of Upper Darby and Ridley Townships, not an incorporated municipality. Clifton Heights cases are heard there even though the borough has no court office of its own.
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.