The Michigan Constitution of 1963 provides for a uniform state court system headed by the Michigan Supreme Court. Const 1963, art 6, § 1. The chief judge of a district court has the authority and responsibility to hire, supervise, and discharge most employees of the court, including district court magistrates. MCR 8.110(C)(3)(d); MCL 600.8271(9).
B.District Court Classes and Where the Court Sits
District courts are divided into three classes, according to the geographical area of their venue – districts of the first class, second class, and third class. See MCL 600.8101; MCL 600.8103.
MCL 600.8251 addresses where each district court sits according to its class. “When a city is located in more than 1 district, the provisions of [MCL 600.8251] as to where the district court is required to sit shall apply only to that part of such city lying within the particular county or district. A city having a population in excess of 20,000 which is located in more than 1 district is a part of the district containing the greater portion of the population of the city.” MCL 600.8101(2).
“Magistrates shall sit at any county seat and city or other locations as determined by the presiding judge.” MCL 600.8551.