Courts and procedure
Magistrate judge
A judicial officer of a federal district court who handles many pretrial matters and, if all parties consent, can preside over some civil cases.[1]
In more detail
Magistrate judges often run settlement conferences in federal court.[2] Many state courts have similar officers, such as magistrates, commissioners or hearing officers.
Varies by state
This is a federal title; state court titles and powers differ. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Settlement conferenceA meeting where the parties and their lawyers try to settle with the help of an impartial person, often a judge or experienced lawyer, who may evaluate the case and suggest terms.
- JudgmentThe court's official decision that finally resolves the dispute between the parties.
- MotionA request a party makes to the judge for a decision on an issue in the case.
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Sources
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Magistrate judge: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/magistrate-judge/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.