If I remember correctly, a 'magistrate' is to a judge what a 'rent-a-cop' is to a police officer. A magistrate is "an inferior judicial officer", appointed by judge having many, but not all the powers of a judge. They generally exercise duties formerly performed by US Commissioners and may hear a wide variety of motions and other pretrial matters in both criminal and civil cases. Magistrates may not preside over felony trials or jury selection in felony cases though.
If I remember correctly, a 'magistrate' is to a judge what a 'rent-a-cop' is to a police officer. A magistrate is "an inferior judicial officer", appointed by judge having many, but not all the powers of a judge. They generally exercise duties formerly performed by US Commissioners and may hear a wide variety of motions and other pretrial matters in both criminal and civil cases. Magistrates may not preside over felony trials or jury selection in felony cases though.