In 1968, Congress created the position of U.S. magistrate, later renamed U.S. magistrate judge, to replace the former U.S. commissioners. The judges of the U.S. district courts were permitted to appoint magistrates, judicial officers not covered by the tenure and salary protections contained in Article III, to issue warrants, set bail, conduct hearings, sentence defendants, and carry out other judicial tasks. Magistrates were also permitted, with the consent of the accused, to try defendants accused of minor offenses, with their rulings appealable to the district court.

See also:

Landmark Legislation: Federal Magistrates Act

Magistrate Judgeships