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 32-2-54 is assigned Springfield Township Ward 1 Precinct 3 and Ward 6, and Upper Darby Township Ward 1 (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9) and Ward 3 (Precincts 1, 3, 5, 11).
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.
District Courts 32-1-32 and 32-2-54 are both listed at 56 Powell Road but are separate courts. 32-1-32 (610-543-2366) serves Morton, Ridley Township Ward 4 and its own Springfield areas; 32-2-54 (610-690-7668) serves only the Springfield and Upper Darby precincts listed here.
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.