Judges and Magistrates

Judges and magistrates, who are vested with the authority to hear and decide legal matters brought to a court or other venue, are public officials who are either elected or appointed to their positions. In the United States, judges and magistrates may serve at the federal, state, county, or municipal level. Judges and magistrates have since colonial times worked to resolve disputes and to enforce the law. While some judges and magistrates are appointed by presidents or governors, others are elected. Judges and magistrates serve terms set by their ...