Stembridge v. Wright

1. A municipal magistrate such as a mayor or a recorder can inquire into the violation of a State statute only in a case pending before him wherein the defendant is charged with the violation of an ordinance of the municipality. Penal Code (1910), § 952.

2. In no event has a municipal magistrate jurisdiction to assess a fine against a person for the violation of a State statute.

3. Where a person brought before a municipal magistrate is charged only with the violation of a State statute prohibiting the running of a motor-vehicle along the public highway without a State license, or without a…