Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge

You may file a suit with a magisterial district judge (MDJ), formerly called a district justice, if you have a complaint against a person or business and wish to recover an amount of money totaling $12,000 or less. This is called a civil lawsuit. The $12,000 limit does not include the court costs involved in the suit, or any interest that may be due on your claim. If you are successful, you are entitled to be reimbursed for court costs. This consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association explains the process. [PDF] (09/2020)