What is the Superior Court?

The Superior Court consists of eight Judges, with four Judges sharing responsibility for civil cases with the Circuit Court and the remaining four judges hearing criminal cases.  The Governor appoints Judges upon recommendation of the St. Joseph County Judicial Nominating Committee.  Superior Court Judges serve a first term of two years, followed by subsequent terms of six years, renewed by a retention vote at the general election.  Two magistrates, appointed by the Chief Judge, hear cases in Traffic and Misdemeanor Court and Small Claims Court, both of which fall under the Superior Court’s jurisdiction.  These two magistrates share jurisdiction and alternate between the two courts.