The justice courts were established in the Arizona Constitution to serve as a “people’s court” to hear small-claims civil cases and petty criminal offenses, and issue common sense decisions that ordinary citizens could understand. For this reason, a law degree is not a requirement to serve as Justice of the Peace.
There are 4 justice courts in Coconino County located in Flagstaff, Fredonia, Page, and Williams. Of these, the Flagstaff Justice Court hears the majority of cases. The Flagstaff Justice Court jurisdiction covers a very large area stretching from Tonalea and Tuba City on the Navajo Nation to the north, down to Mormon Lake, Blue Ridge, and Forest Lakes in the south, and from Bellemont to the eastern edge of Coconino County.
Responsibilities of the Justice Court include:
- Conducting preliminary hearings of those arrested during the previous 24 hours to determine if a crime has been committed, and whether there is sufficient evidence to continue to hold the accused and bring criminal charges;
- Hearing all traffic violations that occur outside the city limits;
- Resolving small claims civil cases;
- Issuing restraining orders and orders of protection;
- Conducting civil wedding ceremonies.