Can a city pass an ordinance to collect court costs without authorization by state law?

• A. No.
• B. Yes.
• C. Only with court approval.
• D. Only if the city charter allows.

Answer: (A)

Local governments don’t have independent authority to create or impose court costs; they derive their powers from the state. Setting court costs is tied to the operation and funding of the judiciary, and the state must authorize any such fees. Without explicit state law permitting it, a city cannot pass an ordinance to collect court costs. A city charter or local ordinance cannot override the need for state authorization in this area, so the correct stance is that the city cannot do this without state law.