What is the authority of a municipal court to hear cases?

Municipal courts are the lowest level of court in Florida and have limited authority to hear cases. The jurisdiction of the municipal court is limited to cases that involve violations of municipal ordinances, such as traffic violations, code violations, or minor criminal conduct. Additionally, the municipal court may also have jurisdiction over the following matters: small claims, evictions, and violations of county and city ordinances. The municipal court is authorized by Florida State Statute to issue orders of arrest, search warrants, and criminal warrants. The municipal court hearing process includes a preliminary hearing, a plea entering, a trial, or a court-authorized settlement. The scope of a municipal court’s decision is limited to the facts of the case and does not create binding precedent on similar cases. However, if the case is appealed, the appellate court sets binding precedent on all similar cases. The municipal court has the authority to hold hearings in non-criminal cases such as violations of city ordinances or minor misdemeanors. However, for more serious criminal matters, such as felonies, the court does not have jurisdiction and the case is referred to a higher court. Additionally, municipal courts do not have the authority to supervise parolees or probationers, or to issue protective orders or injunctions.

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What is the authority of a municipal court to hear cases?

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