NC S210

Authorizes chief district judges to appoint a full-time magistrate to serve as chief magistrate in a county for an indefinite term at the judge's pleasure.

Chief magistrate receives derivative administrative authority from the chief district judge, including duties related to assigning matters to magistrates and prescribing their work schedules and locations.

Chief district judges may delegate chief magistrate appointment authority to another district court judge or the clerk of superior court as an alternative.

Provision applies only to counties where the chief district judge determines that designating a chief magistrate would serve the interests of justice.

Effective upon becoming law (ratified June 5, 2013; approved June 12, 2013).