Magistrates

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Local Court Rules -- SMCLR 10.4 Magistrates
The court may employ judicial officers as magistrates to assist in the administration of justice and accomplishment of the work of the court.

The presiding judge shall have the authority to assign work to the magistrates. The duties and responsibilities that may have been assigned to magistrates include the adjudication of contested civil traffic infractions, parking infractions, and various ordinance violations, presiding over mitigation and contested settlement conferences, and such other duties as may be assigned by the presiding judge.

Magistrates are expected to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner, consistent with law, and with appropriate judicial demeanor and respect for the rights of court participants and court personnel. Magistrates are further expected adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct and to the Code of Conduct for Employees of Municipal Court.

Failure of magistrate to fulfill any of his or her duties or responsibilities, as determined in the judgement and discretion of presiding judge, may result in disciplinary action including termination of employment.

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