Magistrate Judges are judicial officers in the United States who assist in the administration of justice. They handle various tasks, including overseeing preliminary hearings, managing pretrial motions, and conducting settlement conferences. Their role is essential in ensuring that cases move efficiently through the legal system. These judges are appointed by District Court judges and can serve in both civil and criminal cases. While they can make decisions on certain matters, their rulings can often be reviewed by District Court judges. This system helps to alleviate the caseload of higher courts and provides timely resolutions for legal disputes.