United States Magistrate Judge

United States Magistrate Judge. A federal judicial officer who hears civil and criminal pretrial matters and who may conduct civil trials or criminal misdemeanor trials. 28 USCA §§ 631–639. — Also termed federal magistrate; (before 1990) United States Magistrate. — Sometimes also termed parajudge. [Cases: United States Magistrates 11–12. C.J.S. United States Commissioners §§ 2–7, […]