[R.O. 2011; Approved by electorate, November 3, 1981]
There shall be a municipal court which shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all cases arising under this charter or the ordinances of the City, and to assess punishment as therein provided. There shall be the right of appeal to the circuit court. The municipal court may punish contempt of court by fine not exceeding fifty dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding ten days, or both. It may enforce its orders and judgments as a court of record may, and render final judgment on any forfeited bond or recognizance returnable to such court, subject to appeal as in other cases.
[R.O. 2011; Approved by electorate, November 3, 1981; Amending Ord. 98-470 approved by electorate, February 2, 1999; Amending Ord. 15-257 approved by electorate, April 5, 2016]
The municipal court shall be presided over by one or more judges, as determined by ordinance, each of whom shall be elected for a term of four years. Each judge shall be a resident and qualified registered voter of the City, a licensed member of the bar of this State, and shall have been in active practice for at least three years. Each judge shall receive compensation as determined by ordinance. Whenever the municipal judge is temporarily absent, unable to act or the office of municipal judge becomes vacant for any reason, then State law shall determine the procedure for designation of a special municipal judge or the election of municipal judge. The judge or judges shall have the power to employ as many clerks as the council shall deem necessary, and shall have the power to remove such clerks. The judges may make rules affecting the court's administration not inconsistent with the rules of the supreme court and with the rules of the judicial circuit of which the municipal court is a division.
[R.O. 2011; Approved by electorate, November 3, 1981]
The chief of police and the chief of police's subordinates shall serve as marshal and deputy marshals, respectively, of the municipal court and shall enforce its orders, judgments and decrees.