Magistrates are appointed by a District Magistrate Commission. After initial appointment to a two-year term, a Magistrate may be re-elected on a retention ballot to a four-year term. The Magistrate Judge is responsible for infractions/trials, misdemeanors/trials, small claims court, felony probable-cause hearings/felony preliminary hearings, divorce proceedings, domestic violence hearings and is granted jurisdiction in civil proceedings where the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000. Both District Judge and Magistrate Judge conduct jury trials; each issues subpoenas, warrants of arrest and each hears probation violation matters.