[Skip to Content]
COUNTYWIDE BURN BAN !!: Is No Longer effective as of November 19, 2024
COURT NOTICE!:  Family Motion Court will be held in Courtroom3 on December 10th, 13th and 17th, 2024.
 No Family Motions Court on December 27th or 31st 2024.
 No Civil/Criminal Motion Court on December 27th, 30th or 31st., 2024.

Lawrence County District Judges

Lawrence County District Judges

Magisterial District Court is the first level of judicial authority in Pennsylvania and is the court where most people experience the judicial system for the first time. Magisterial District Judges handle all traffic cases, minor criminal cases, and civil cases involving amounts up to $12,000. Magisterial District Judges also set bail and conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases to determine if the cases should be dismissed or transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings.

There are 4 Magisterial District Judges located in offices throughout Lawrence County. They are elected to six-year terms and are employees of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Magisterial District Court 53-1-01

Melissa A. Amodie, Magisterial District Judge 

430 Court Street
New Castle, PA 16101

Phone: (724) 652-8555
Fax: (724) 654-8576

  • City of New Castle (Minus the 6th Ward)

Magisterial District Court 53-3-01

Jerry Cartwright, Magisterial District Judge

607 Lawrence Avenue
Ellwood City, PA 16117

Phone: (724) 752-1185
Fax: (724) 752-2155

  • Ellwood City Borough
  • Ellport Borough
  • Little Beaver Township
  • Enon Valley Borough
  • Wampum Borough
  • New Beaver Borough
  • Wayne Township
  • Perry Township
  • Slippery Rock Township

Magisterial District Court 53-3-02

Jennifer L. Nicholson, Magisterial District Judge

4834 State Route 18
New Castle, PA 16102

Phone: (724) 667-8010
Fax: (724) 667-0377

  • Union Township
  • Mahoning Township
  • North Beaver Township
  • SNPJ Borough
  • Taylor Township
  • 6th Ward of New Castle
  • Bessemer Borough

Magisterial District Court 53-3-04

Rick Russo, Magisterial District Judge

3470 Wilmington Road
New Castle, PA 16105

Phone: (724) 652-9615
Fax: (724) 652-3762

  • Neshannock Township
  • South New Castle Borough
  • Wilmington Township
  • New Wilmington Borough
  • Pulaski Township
  • Volant Borough
  • Shenango Township
  • Hickory Township
  • Scott Township
  • Washington Township
  • Plain Grove Township

Links & Resources