DelawareDelaware would set county limits for Justice of the Peace judges
Delaware would set county limits for Justice of the Peace judges, specify where courts meet, and hold 24-hour hearings only in Kent County.
What it does
Delaware would allow up to 27 Justice of the Peace Court judges in New Castle County, 16 in Kent County, and 18 in Sussex County.
The court would hold sessions in at least one place in Wilmington, three elsewhere in New Castle County, three in Kent County, and four in Sussex County. Court rules could add places.
Kent County would be the only county with 24-hour hearings. At least one Justice of the Peace Court would remain available at all times across Delaware.
Argument forA limit of 16 judges in Kent County could help the court staff the 24-hour hearings planned there.
Argument againstWith 24-hour hearings only in Kent County, people in other counties might have to travel farther for a late-night hearing.
More detail
Delaware would set a limit on Justice of the Peace Court judges in each county. New Castle County could have up to 27 judges, Kent County up to 16, and Sussex County up to 18.
The Justice of the Peace Court would hold court at specified places across Delaware. The court would use at least one place in Wilmington, three elsewhere in New Castle County, three in Kent County, and four in Sussex County. Court rules could name additional places.
The court would make 24-hour hearings available only in Kent County. At least one Justice of the Peace Court would have to be available across Delaware at all times, while 24-hour hearings would take place only in Kent County. Court rules would set when each location is open. At least one court would have to be available at all times.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 17Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 2 Favorable, 5 On Its MeritsLatest
- Apr 21Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in HouseIntroduced
Government & Ethics