What is the primary role of a US Magistrate Judge?

The primary role of a US Magistrate Judge is to assist District Judges in trial preparation, which is reflected in the selected answer. Magistrate Judges are appointed to handle various pretrial matters, such as conducting initial hearings, ruling on motions, and managing discovery disputes. This assistance is invaluable as it allows District Judges to focus on overseeing trials and other critical judicial functions, thereby promoting an efficient legal process.

Magistrate Judges also have the authority to conduct settlement conferences and even preside over misdemeanor cases or civil matters if both parties consent. Their workload enables District Judges to manage their caseloads more effectively. While overseeing jury selection could potentially be part of their duties in some cases, it is not their primary role. Serving as a defense attorney in court cases contradicts the impartiality required of judges, and representing the government in civil suits is outside the scope of their functions.