This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia to increase the jurisdictional limits of magistrate courts from $10,000 to $20,000 for civil actions. It clarifies that corporate parties can appear in magistrate court through an agent or attorney, provided they are representing their own claims and not those of a third party. Additionally, the bill maintains that no magistrate may act as an agent or attorney for any party in these proceedings.

The bill also preserves existing protections that prevent magistrates from representing any party in magistrate court proceedings. The changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the magistrate court system by allowing for a broader range of claims to be addressed while ensuring that the integrity of the judicial process is upheld.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 50-2-1, 50-4-4a