From controversial bond decisions to accusations of misconduct, several magisterial district judges in southwestern Pennsylvania have prompted headlines and scrutiny in recent months.
So, what does it take to qualify as one of these lower court judges? Voters we spoke with in Pittsburgh had no idea that the bar is set lower than passing the bar exam.
“I would think at least a law degree,” guessed Pittsburgh resident Terri Boyt, who was later shocked to learn that many district judges have actually never attended law school.
According to data provided by the state in April, more than half of the 495 active magisterial district judges are not lawyers. Forty percent, meantime, do have law degrees.
But Pennsylvania is far from the only state where individuals don’t need a law degree to tap the gavel; 32 states allow at least some low court judges to take the bench as non-attorneys.