What are Local Courts of Limited Jurisdiction?

Courts of limited jurisdiction (as distinct from district courts with felony jurisdiction) are those local courts which deal 1. Municipal Government Defined 23 with local ordinances, residential and commercial landlord/tenant disputes, forcible entry and detainer (unlawful keeping of another person’s goods), collection of certain taxes, fees and assessments, and, most frequently, misdemeanor criminal charges. Misdemeanors are those offenses punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding six months. A civil action may be brought in a court of limited jurisdiction if the disputed sum does not exceed $7,000 (exclusive of court costs). The two kinds of courts of limited jurisdiction found in Montana’s cities and towns are the city court and the municipal court.