Courts, Frequently Asked Questions
| The 19th District Court |
- Court Location:The court is located at 16077 Michigan Avenue, between Greenfield and Southfield and directly adjacent to Dearborn Police Headquarters. Convenient parking is located immediately east of the court's main entrance.
- Court Hours: The court is open to the public for business on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Though a state court, the 19th District Court is primarily funded by the City of Dearborn, with net revenues deposited into the city's general fund.
- Court Attire: Appropriate attire is expected of those visiting courtrooms. Hats or caps are not permitted. Shirts with offensive messages are not permitted.
- Cell Phones: Cell phones and electronic devices are NOT allowed in the courthouse.
- Food: Food and beverages are not allowed in the courthouse.
- Civil Lawsuits:The Dearborn court has jurisdiction in non-criminal cases where the amount in dispute between parties does not exceed $25,000.
- Court Caseload: One of the busiest state courts, the 19th District Court's caseload annually exceeds 70,000.
- Judges:Three judges who are elected independently by Dearborn voters for six-year terms on non-partisan ballots serve the 19th District Court. Current judges are the Honorable William C. Hultgren, Mark W. Somers and Richard Wygonik.
- Jurisdiction:The court serves the entire City of Dearborn.
- Jury Duty:Jurors for trials in the 19th District Court are selected at random from a computer generated list of eligible Dearborn residents provided by the Wayne County Jury Commission.
- Jury Trials:All Dearborn jury trial have six jurors. In criminal cases, a unanimous decision is required to convict a defendant. In civil cases, a majority of five may render a verdict.
- Landlord/Tenant: The court has jurisdiction over landlord disputes such as non-payment of rent or eviction and land contract or mortgage where damages sought are less than $25,000.
- No Smoking: The 19th District Courthouse is a smoke-free building.
- Legal Advice: Court Employees are not permitted to give legal advice.
- Security: Weapons are not allowed in the court building. Security officers operate metal detectors at the court entrance.
- Small Claims: The 19th District Court has jurisdiction in small claims disputes where suits for money damages do not exceed $3,000.
- Tours: Student groups and organizations may arrange for a building tour by calling (313) 943-3074.
- Court to Schools Program:The national Law Day observance each May sees the Dearborn court give students a close-up view of the justice system in action, and the penalties awaiting wrongdoers, by conducting actual court sessions in local high school and middle school auditoriums.
- Law Day Essay Contest: In partnership with the Dearborn Rotary Club, the court conducts a citywide essay contest for fifth through eighth graders to climax its Law Day educational activities.