Magistrate Judge

A Magistrate Judge is a type of judicial officer in the U.S. federal and some state courts who assists in managing legal cases. They handle preliminary matters such as bail hearings, search warrants, and initial appearances. Magistrate Judges may also conduct trials for minor offenses and help oversee civil cases by managing procedural aspects. Their role allows for more efficient court operations, enabling district judges to focus on more complex cases. While they have significant authority, their decisions can often be appealed to a higher court.