Central Court was established in June, 1996, by former President Judge Clarence C. Morrison. It began as a demonstration project with the purpose of expediting preliminary hearings involving prisoners, reducing the transport of prison inmates, and the conducting of hearings in a more secure facility. At that time, the Administrative Office of the PA Courts approved the use of Senior Magisterial District Judges to hold court four sessions per month. In April 1999, Central Court added a full-time coordinator and expanded its sessions to twelve per month. Today, Central Court is in session nearly every business day, with the exception of criminal court week, and its caseload rivals that of a small district justice office.

William Rathfon
Senior Magisterial
District Judge


Edward Williams
Senior Magisterial
District Judge


Samuel J. Magaro
Senior Magisterial
District Judge


Bob Yanich
Senior Magisterial
District Judge