The Judicial Commissioner serves as a judicial officer and magistrate for Sumner County, Tennessee, performing statutorily authorized judicial functions in accordance with Tennessee law, applicable rules of criminal procedure, and directives of the Sumner County General Sessions Judges. The Judicial Commissioner exercises independent judicial judgment in reviewing applications and requests presented by law enforcement officers, attorneys, private citizens, and other authorized parties. The position requires a high degree of integrity, impartiality, discretion, legal knowledge, and the ability to make timely decisions in matters affecting individual liberty, public safety, and the administration of justice. Judicial Commissioners provide judicial services on a continuous basis, including nights, weekends, holidays, and other periods.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Review affidavits, complaints, applications, and other documents presented for judicial consideration.
- Determine whether probable cause exists for the issuance of arrest warrants and other authorized process.
- Issue, review, and process criminal and felony arrest warrants in accordance with Tennessee law.
- Review and issue search warrants upon a legally sufficient showing of probable cause.
- Set, approve, and document appearance bonds, recognizances, and other legally authorized conditions of release.
- Issue mittimus orders and other authorized orders relating to the detention or commitment of individuals.
- Review and sign state citations and other documents within the Commissioner's statutory authority.
- Process and review Orders of Protection, including petitions for temporary (ex-parte) protection and matters requiring further hearing.
- Make determinations regarding juvenile detention requests in accordance with applicable law and juvenile court procedures.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of judicial actions and decisions.
- Ensure that warrants, orders, bonds, and other judicial documents are properly prepared, executed, distributed, and maintained.
- Communicate professionally with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, court personnel, defendants, victims, witnesses, and members of the public.
- Exercise independent and impartial judgment without regard to the identity, status, or position of any party.
- Protect confidential and sensitive information and maintain the security and integrity of judicial records.
Work Environment and Schedule
This position operates in a 24-hour judicial services environment and may require work during nights, weekends, holidays, and other nontraditional hours. The Judicial Commissioner must be available to respond to matters requiring immediate judicial action and must be able to make sound, legally supported decisions under time-sensitive circumstances. The advertised position will generally work during the late afternoons and evenings. Assigned schedules may change to address department needs.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of Tennessee criminal and judicial procedures or the ability to learn.
- Knowledge of constitutional protections relating to search and seizure, arrest, due process, bail, and individual rights, or the ability to learn.
- Ability to distinguish between sufficient and insufficient evidence for purposes of probable-cause determinations.
- Strong analytical, legal reasoning, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to remain impartial, professional, and composed in difficult or emotionally charged situations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in the preparation and execution of judicial documents.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements established by Tennessee law for appointment and service as a Judicial Commissioner; including residing within Sumner County.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Tennessee law and judicial procedure after appropriate training.
- Ability to successfully complete required judicial education and Sumner County-specific training on an ongoing basis.
- Must satisfy any additional qualifications, background requirements, appointment requirements, or standards established by Sumner County, the General Sessions Judges, or applicable Tennessee law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in the legal, judicial, law enforcement, corrections, or governmental field.
- Experience interpreting Tennessee statutes and court rules.
- Experience working with domestic violence, orders of protection, juvenile matters, or other time-sensitive judicial proceedings.
- Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, courts, attorneys, and other justice-system partners.
Professional Standards
The Judicial Commissioner is expected to maintain the highest standards of judicial integrity, impartiality, professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct. All decisions must be based upon applicable law and the facts properly presented to the Commissioner, without bias, favoritism, or outside influence.
Physical and Other Requirements
The position requires the ability to work extended and irregular hours, remain attentive for prolonged periods, review substantial amounts of written and electronic information, communicate effectively with individuals in person and by telephone or electronic means, and respond appropriately to urgent judicial matters.
Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a Judicial Commissioner in Sumner County. It is not intended to constitute a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or legal requirements. Specific duties and qualifications should be confirmed against current Tennessee law, Sumner County policies, and the directives of the Sumner County General Sessions Judges.
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Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
