Study data came from 191 of the 210 full-time magistrates in 82 Federal district courts who received survey questionnaires. The questions covered a wide array of topics, ranging from whether respondents have actually taken part in the duties specified in the laws, to the way matters are assigned, to the frequency with which they are assigned. The districts have begun to develop varying strategies for using the services of these judicial officers to address needs as the courts perceive them. Magistrates are handling a wide variety of cases, most often prisoner petitions and social security cases. They are also disposing of other civil and criminal matters, including civil cases upon consent. Random assignment is the most common procedure for civil matters, while rotational assignment is the most common procedure for criminal matters, where there is more than one full-time magistrate. Further research should focus on the way magistrates fit into the overall operation of the district court, the effect of the practicing bar on the magistrate's role, and the contribution of magistrates to reductions in the courts' backlogs. Footnotes, data tables, and a copy of the survey form are included.