What is the difference between a Judge and a Magistrate?
The Judge is elected, and the Magistrates are appointed by the Judge. Magistrates have the authority to preside over any case over which the Court has jurisdiction; in the conduct of the proceedings, Magistrates have the same powers as Judges. T.C.A. § 37-1-107. Prior to May of 2009, Magistrates were called "Referees."