Laws controlling justice and municipal courts have undergone a number of revisions and amendments, to more closely define their jurisdiction, and to change the procedure by which judges are selected. (For background information read: County Government in Wisconsin, 1942, Vol. 2, pp. 418-462 and pp. 399-412).
The state constitution was amended in April 1966 to abolish the constitutional office of justice of the peace. Previously the jurisdiction of the justice of the peace extended throughout the county. Civil jurisdiction was limited to actions involving 200 dollars or less. The justices in
later years no longer had jurisdiction over forfeitures, recovery of personal property, unlawful detainer and matters of garnishment, and attachment. Criminal jurisdiction during this period was limited to battery and disorderly conduct. Justices were elected for a 2-year term in all towns, villages, and cities in the state except the city of Milwaukee.
Municipal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over actions for the violation of ordinances in the town, village, or city where they are located. These courts have the same civil jurisdiction as justice of the peace and in addition, they have jurisdiction for actions to recover property up to 200 dollars, unlawful detainer, and to recover penalties and forfeitures up to 200 dollars. Criminal jurisdiction is limited to crimes for which the penalty does not exceed 200 dollars, or 6 months in jail, or both, and to cases relating to preservation of the peace. The municipal justice is elected for a 2-year term.
