---
title: "James A. Motznik | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-a-motznik-pa-mdj-05-2-38"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-08"
---

# James A. Motznik

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 05-2-38 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 05-2-38
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

For Pennsylvania Common Pleas proceedings, statewide Pa.R.J.A. 1910 prohibits courtroom broadcasting, recording, and photography unless an exception or judicial authorization applies; the rule also recognizes judge-authorized electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges/)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges/)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges/)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The elected Magisterial District Judge for District 05‐2‐38 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, serving a term that ends January 3, 2028

### Education


### Additional information

- The record notes that aCLU of Pennsylvania has a bio page for Judge Motznik
- Tip: For case lookups, fines, or official forms, use the Allegheny County Courts “Find a Judge” or “Pay Fines” tools
- This includes most of the Brookline area from the Highrise Apartments near Breining Street west to West Liberty Avenue.
- As a Magisterial District Judge, he handles a range of local cases, including certain criminal matters, civil disputes, and community safety issues, but not all cases — those beyond his jurisdiction go to the Common Pleas Court
- Judge Motznik presides over District Court 05‐2‐38, which covers Pittsburgh Ward 19.