Magistrate
A magistrate is a judicial officer who presides over a lower court and has the authority to make legal decisions. Magistrates typically handle minor criminal cases, such as traffic violations and misdemeanors, as well as civil cases, such as small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. They may also conduct preliminary hearings for more serious crimes and issue arrest warrants.
Education and Training
To become a magistrate, you must typically have a bachelor's degree and a law degree. Some states also require magistrates to have passed the bar exam. Magistrates may also receive on-the-job training from experienced magistrates or judges.