Rule 15A Consolidation and separate trials

If you have more than one case in magistrate court that share the same facts or legal questions, the magistrate can combine them into one trial. This saves time and avoids having witnesses repeat testimony or judges make separate decisions on issues that overlap. For example, if two people file related claims stemming from the same car accident, the magistrate might decide to hear both cases together.

On the other hand, the magistrate also has the power to split up parts of a single case and try them separately. This might happen if combining everything into one trial would confuse the jury, take too long, or unfairly hurt one side's chances. The magistrate makes this call based on what is fair and practical, not based on what either side wants.

In short, this rule gives the magistrate flexibility to organize trials in the way that makes the most sense. The goal is to save time and money for everyone involved while still keeping the process fair.