The city has two courts. Most cases are heard at the New Philadelphia Courthouse. The Supreme Court hears the gravest cases and appeals.1
The Courthouse
All lower civil and criminal cases are heard at the Courthouse, 1 Court Court, before City judges appointed by the Interim City Council.2
- After an arrest, you’ll appear before a City judge within 48 hours. You’ll hear the charges, be offered a public defender, enter a plea, and have bond set.3
- You have the right to a jury trial for any crime you’re accused of in the city. A jury rules only when it’s unanimous.4
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court sits in the Atrium Summi, 220 New York Avenue. Anyone may watch a case from the spectator area.5
- It hears violations of rights, appeals of lower court and legislative decisions, claims of false imprisonment, allegations of corruption, and crimes against the city.6
- The Head of the Department of Criminal Investigations sits as a justice. When a justice can’t serve, the Heads of Defense, Commerce, and Agriculture step in, in that order.7
- Its decisions must be unanimous.8
File with the court
File court documents by email to the court, in person, or with any Clerk of the Court through the city Discord. The forms for each kind of filing are listed on Courts and the law.
Appeals
- You can appeal a sentence you believe is unlawful, or cruel and unusual, to the Courthouse or the Supreme Court.9
- The city provides an attorney for your appeal if you ask.10
In the courtroom
No helmets of any kind, no pets, and spectators stay quiet unless asked to speak.11