The 46th District Court will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the district court system in Michigan on Tuesday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Court building, 26000 Evergreen Road.

The 50th anniversary celebration will highlight the achievements of the 46th District Court and offer an opportunity for the public to view memorabilia from the court’s history. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the event from Hero or Villain Deli and SoupDive food trucks.

The 46th District Court serves the residents of Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Franklin Village, Bingham Farms and Southfield Township. The district court handles traffic violations, civil claims for damages up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, civil infractions and misdemeanor offenses. The district court also conducts preliminary examinations in all felony cases, after which, if the prosecutor provides sufficient proof, the felony case is transferred to the circuit court for arraignment and trial.

“The district court is known as ‘The People’s Court,’ since citizens have more contact with the district court than any other court in the state,” stated Chief Judge Shelia Johnson. “The 46th District Court prides itself on having professional and competent staff that help maintain our court’s high standard of public service.” 

The 1963 Michigan Constitution was passed containing an article requiring the state to establish a court system of limited jurisdiction within five years. On June 17, 1968, the Legislature created the district court system to hear misdemeanor criminal cases and some civil matters. 150 district court judges took the bench on January 1, 1969, establishing the district court system.

For more information, contact the 46th District Court at (248) 796-5885.