The City Charter is the city’s supreme law. Citizens can read every law they’re held to.1
The Courthouse
Most civil and criminal cases are heard at the New Philadelphia Courthouse, before appointed City judges.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
- Every citizen has the right to a jury trial. A jury rules only when it’s unanimous.4
- You can appeal a sentence you believe is unlawful, and the city provides an attorney if you ask.5
Filing with the court
File court documents by email to the court, in person, or through the city Discord with any Clerk of the Court.
| Filing | Form |
|---|---|
| Criminal complaint | NP-JUS-01 |
| Subpoena | NP-JUS-2 |
| Civil complaint | NP-JUS-3 |
| Criminal case appeal | NP-JUS-4 |
| Civil case appeal | NP-JUS-5 |
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court sits in the Atrium Summi, 220 New York Avenue. Anyone may watch a case from the spectator area.6
It hears violations of rights, appeals of lower court and legislative decisions, and allegations of corruption, among other cases. Its decisions must be unanimous.7
In the courtroom
Everyone in a courtroom follows three rules:8
- No helmets of any kind.
- Spectators stay quiet unless asked to speak.
- No pets or other animals.