Final answer:
Often referred to as commissioners or referees, judges play a key role in the early stages of both criminal and civil case processing. They conduct trials, inform defendants of charges and handle various types of small claims. They also played significant roles in special cases such as handling of freedom-seeker cases during the slavery era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individuals often used to perform some of the work in the early stages of civil and criminal case processing, known in some states as commissioners or referees, are typically judges or Justices. In the U.S. judicial system, divided into federal courts and state courts, these judges handle various processes including traffic court, small claims court, and trials without a jury present in non-criminal cases. In contrast, criminal cases are usually heard by trial courts with general jurisdictions, typically with a judge and jury present.
The judges presiding over these courts may also be appointed or elected officials, and they hold the responsibility of interpreting and applying the country's laws to resolve disputes. Notably, some of their specific responsibilities include informing the defendant of charges, explaining the right to counsel, and taking pleas.
At times, commissioners or referees are also used in special cases, such as in the historical handling of freedom-seeker cases during the era of slavery. Overall, their roles are critical to the initial stages of both civil and criminal case processing.
Learn more about Role of Judges