FY 27 Proposed Operating Budget

JUDICIAL Magistrates Cost Center 415000

ORIGIN & PURPOSE: A Magistrate is an Attorney who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Judges of the Circuit Court and who is responsible for hearing all matters referred to him by the Court. One Magistrate hears all juvenile cases. All the Magistrates hear domestic cases. The duties of the Magistrates are to: Conduct hearings for family law cases referred to them, including petitions filed by the Department of Juvenile Services alleging that a child is delinquent; petitions filed by the Department of Social Services alleging that a child has been abused or neglected; and domestic relations cases. Record all proceedings of hearings Direct the issuance of a subpoena for witnesses and/or documents Rule upon the admissibility of evidence Examine witnesses when necessary Convene, continue and adjourn the hearings as necessary Make findings of facts and conclusions of law, and submit them to the presiding Judge of the Circuit Court for review. In accordance with applicable State law, an appointment of a Magistrate for both domestic relations matters and juvenile cases by the Judges of the Circuit Court of Harford County. The appointment must be approved by the Chief Judge of Appeals.

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