What kind of cases might be heard by a magistrate judge?

Magistrate judges typically handle minor civil and criminal cases, which makes this choice the accurate one. In Georgia, magistrate courts are designed to deal with less serious matters that do not require the full resources of higher courts. This may include small claims, certain types of misdemeanors, and preliminary criminal matters.

In contrast, felony cases, paternity cases, and federal law cases are generally outside the jurisdiction of magistrate judges. Felony cases are typically processed in superior courts given the seriousness of the charges. Paternity cases may fall under family law, which is usually handled by probate or superior courts depending on the specifics. Federal law cases are exclusively in the purview of federal courts, as magistrate judges operate within the state judicial system. Thus, the focus of magistrate judges on minor civil and criminal cases aligns with their role in the overall judicial framework.