The Stayton Justice Court is one branch of the East Marion Justice Court and the Salem Justice Court is the other. Cascade Highway SE (NE First Avenue) bisects the city and State Road lies on the North side.

Stayton was first started with the establishment of a sawmill by an early settler who laid out a plan for the city. Cheap and plentiful water to generate power brought other settlers who established a cabinet factory, a flour mill, a sash and door factory and an excelsior mill. At the beginning of the 20th century, agriculture begame more significant in Stayton with the opening of a large number of bean farms. This crop was important enough that the city held and continues to hold a five day Bean Festival in late July of each year. Among the city's parks; the Community Center park includes the center building, the Stayton Family Memorial Pool, three tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, library, parking, a picnic area, and an open recreation field on over 7 1/2 acres.

Hon. Steven Summers and Hon. Richard C. Morley serve in both branches of the East Marion Justice Court.