More than 150 Municipal Court judges from across Tennessee attended seminars this week in Knoxville, Nashville and Jackson. The judges attended workshops on ethical duties, codes enforcement and heard from the Board of Judicial Conduct.
Municipal courts, sometimes called “city courts,” hear cases involving violations of municipal ordinances. Most often, these courts hear speeding tickets and other traffic violations. However, these courts also hear codes violations such as dogs running loose, high grass or other violations of city ordinances that seek to ensure the public safety and welfare
While generally, a municipal court can impose a fine of up to $50 (Fifty Dollars) plus court costs for violations, in some instances, these courts can impose a civil penalty of up to $500 (Five Hundred Dollars). The officials of a municipal court are the municipal judge and the municipal court clerk, who may both be appointed by the city’s governing body, or in some instances, one or both may be required to be elected.
