Justice court is held by a justice of the peace within the district for which they were elected. Justice courts are state courts as part of the judicial branch of state government, but they are not part of the Oregon Judicial Department. All justice courts in Oregon are empowered by the same constitutional and statutory authority, but the functions of each court tend to operate according to the needs and values of their jurisdiction. 

Justices of the peace in Oregon are both state court judges and county-elected officials, serving six-year terms. They must be a resident of or, if an attorney, have a principal office in the district in which the justice court is located. 

Law matters in justice courts are conducted using the mode of proceedings and rules of evidence similar to those used in the circuit courts, except where otherwise specifically provided. Justice courts have jurisdiction within their county concurrent with the circuit court in most misdemeanor criminal prosecutions, small claims, and civil actions where claims do not exceed $10,000. Their jurisdiction also extends to traffic, boating, wildlife and other violations occurring ​within their respective counties. Exceptions to a justice court’s jurisdiction include title to real property, false imprisonment, libel, slander and malicious prosecution. A justice of the peace may also perform weddings.​