Description
Administer justice in a local court for minor criminal and civil matters. Preside over arraignments and trials, set bail, issue warrants and protective orders, adjudicate traffic and small-claims cases, mediate disputes, and perform civil marriage ceremonies.
- • Instruct juries on applicable law when empaneled and receive verdicts.
- • Sentence defendants in misdemeanor cases according to statutes and local guidelines.
- • Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of taking testimony.
- • Preside over arraignments and initial appearances; advise defendants of rights and set bail.
- • Review complaints, citations, pleadings, and motions to determine facts and issues.
- • Interpret and enforce rules of procedure and local court policies; create procedures where permitted by law.
- • Monitor hearings to ensure due process, decorum, and compliance with rules.
- • Provide procedural guidance to self-represented litigants and court personnel.
- • Research legal issues and draft orders, findings, and opinions.
- • Conduct probable-cause and other preliminary hearings in criminal matters.
- • Enter judgments in small-claims, traffic, and ordinance-violation cases.
- • Award damages, restitution, or civil penalties within statutory limits.
- • Mediate and facilitate settlements in minor civil disputes.
- • Manage the court docket; supervise clerks and administrative staff.
- • Issue temporary protective and restraining orders as authorized by law.
- • Adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions, within jurisdiction.
- • Perform civil marriage ceremonies.
- • Provide public information about court processes through outreach and speaking engagements.
- • Issue arrest, search, and bench warrants; issue subpoenas and summonses.
- • Administer oaths and affirmations; take acknowledgments where authorized.
- • Enforce court orders and impose contempt sanctions when necessary.
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Public Service & Safety
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
