Magistrates are judicial officers of the Commonwealth of Virginia and perform many of the duties once carried out by justices of the peace. Magistrates are not judges and do not have trial jurisdiction. They serve as a buffer between law enforcement and society.
| Within each judicial district, a chief magistrate exercises direct supervision over the magistrates in the district. View Route of Appeal. |
Magistrates are appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court in consultation with the Chief Judges of the Circuit Courts who have jurisdiction in the region where the magistrate is appointed to serve.
The principal function of the magistrate is to provide independent, unbiased review of complaints brought to the office by law enforcement officers and citizens.
The duties of the magistrate are determined by the Code of Virginia. For example, magistrates can issue arrest and search warrants; administer oaths; decide the terms of bail; issue temporary detention or protective orders; and issue subpoenas.
