Jurisdiction and Organization

The Dayton Municipal Court is a limited jurisdiction court of record, whose judicial function is to apply the law to specific controversies brought before it and to resolve disputes between people and other legal entities. The Court operates under the rule of law to ensure that the protections of law are available to all persons.

The Dayton Municipal Court was created in 1913 by the Ohio State Legislature and began its judicial operation in 1914. The Court has the boundaries of the City of Dayton. The Court has subject matter jurisdiction over violations of any ordinance of the City of Dayton, Ohio statutory misdemeanor or traffic violations committed in Dayton, and preliminary hearings for felony cases that occur in the City of Dayton. Jurisdiction also includes civil cases, when the amount in dispute is $15,000 or less, and small claims cases, when the amount in dispute is $6,000 or less.

Five full-time judges serve on the Dayton Municipal Court. Each judge is elected on a nonpartisan ballot to serve a six-year term of office. Judges must be attorneys, that have practiced law for a minimum of six years and are residents of the City of Dayton. All judges are sworn to administer justice in every case and to ensure that the cases before them are conducted in an impartial and equitable manner. Annually, the judges elect a presiding judge and an administrative judge. These judges meet regularly with the court administrator to review the operations and policies of the court.

Two full-time magistrates are appointed by the Court to hear certain civil cases, small claims cases, and eviction procedures. They preside over initial appearances for defendants summoned for arraignment. They also preside over minor traffic and criminal cases.

The administrative, professional, technical and clerical functions of the Court are provided by 57 Court employees. Support positions include a court administrator, magistrates, court technology manager and IT technical support coordinator, probation officers, pretrial release officers, assignment coordinators, bailiffs, secretaries, paralegals, and electronic home detention officers.