Legal Definitions - district judge

A district judge is a public official who is appointed or elected to hear and decide legal matters in court. They are named as such in their commission and preside over a court. The term "judge" is often used interchangeably with "court."

Examples of district judges include:

• A federal or state judge in a judicial district
• A metropolitan stipendiary magistrate

For instance, a federal district judge presides over cases in a federal judicial district, while a metropolitan stipendiary magistrate is a district judge in the United Kingdom who hears cases in metropolitan areas.

District judges are responsible for making decisions based on the law and evidence presented in court. They have the power to interpret the law, make rulings, and issue judgments. Their decisions can have a significant impact on the lives of those involved in the case.