<P> Each of Washington's 39 counties also has a state District Court . These are courts of limited jurisdiction that hear traffic infractions, criminal traffic citations, misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, civil cases with an amount in controversy less than $100,000, and small claims suits . The District Court conducts trials and other attendant hearings . District Court judges are elected and serve four - year terms . </P> <P> Washington cities may establish Municipal Courts . Municipal Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction like state District Courts, but Municipal Courts may not hear civil lawsuits . A Municipal Court may only consider and has exclusive jurisdiction over non-criminal traffic citations, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes that occur within a city's boundary . Municipal Courts conduct trials and other attendant hearings . Municipal Court judges are elected or appointed by mayors or city councils and serve four - year terms . </P>

What's the difference between superior court and district court