What is a commissioner?

A commissioner is appointed by judges to perform a variety of judicial functions, set on a case-by-case basis. As a commissioner, you are likely called upon to adjudicate cases and act as a judge when a judge cannot be present; your powers are limited by state statutes but are generally equal to judges with regards to minor cases. You have the power to pass binding judgments after hearing court cases. You are particularly useful to the judicial system in that you free judges to focus more time and energy on complex cases requiring their expertise. Being a commissioner is a significant responsibility, but one that can provide invaluable experience for a career in the judiciary or in politics. Your job duties include serving as part of judicial committees, hearing cases, and processing court-related documents. Commissioners are required to be members of the state bar and have admittance to practice before the supreme court.