<P> In the United States federal courts, magistrate judges are judges appointed to assist district court judges in the performance of their duties . Magistrate judges are authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 631 et seq . The position of "magistrate judge" or "magistrate" also exists in some unrelated state courts (see below). </P> <P> While district judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate for lifetime tenure, magistrate judges are appointed by a majority vote of the federal district judges of a particular district and serve terms of eight years if full - time, or four years if part - time, and may be reappointed . As of March 2009 there are 517 full - time and 42 part - time authorized magistrate judgeships, as well as one position combining magistrate judge and clerk of court . </P> <P> Magistrate judges generally oversee first appearances of criminal defendants, set bail, and conduct other administrative duties . </P> <P> Occasionally Presidents nominate magistrate judges for district judge vacancies . The Federal Magistrate Judges Association is the professional association for magistrate judges . </P>

What are the duties of a magistrate judge