ASSIGNMENT
1. Do you feel that allowing District Judges to select magistrate judges is a better
process than allowing these judicial officers to be appointed by the President?
Explain what benefits you see to such system, or if you disagree explain why a
presidential appointment should be the norm.
2. What safeguards did Congress provide in the law creating magistrate
judgeships so that ultimately Article III judges and not magistrate judges are
responsible for the overall criminal process?
3. Would it be a violation of Article III of the Constitution if Congress allowed
magistrate judges to perform district judge duties such as sentencing? Why or
why not?
4. If you were a magistrate judge, what would you consider your most important
duties and role in the criminal system?
