Municipal courts are local courts that handle minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations. They operate at the city or town level and are designed to address cases that do not involve serious crimes. These courts typically have limited jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear specific types of cases. In addition to criminal matters, municipal courts may also deal with civil cases, such as disputes over local laws or regulations. Judges in these courts are often appointed or elected and work to ensure that justice is served in their communities. Traffic violations, municipal ordinances, and local laws are common topics addressed in these courts.