What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?

A judge and a magistrate serve different roles in a court in Pennsylvania. A judge is an elected or appointed public official who presides over a court of law. Judges usually have several years of legal experience as a lawyer or they have an advanced degree in law. Judges are responsible for hearing arguments and determining the outcome of cases, and they are responsible for ensuring that legal procedures are followed correctly. A magistrate is a public official with less formal legal training than a judge. Magistrates are responsible for handling minor legal claims and offenses, such as small civil claims, minor traffic offenses, and simple criminal offenses like petty theft or disorderly conduct. Magistrates do not have the power to make decisions in larger civil or criminal cases. Instead, they review evidence and then make recommendations to the judge about the case. Magistrates may also issue warrants and handle preliminary hearings in more serious cases.

Related FAQs

What is a motion in limine?
What is a cross-motion?
What is a legal notice?
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
How do I file a motion in court?
How do I file an objection to a motion?
What is a jury nullification?
What is a settlement conference?
What is a bailiff?
What is a jury trial?

What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts