Which statement is true regarding the powers or actions of municipal judges?

• A. Municipal court clerks have the authority to issue a capias.
• B. Municipal judges may perform duties that a magistrate has the authority to perform.
• C. When a judge is not available, the clerk may grant deferred disposition or Teen Court.
• D. Municipal court clerks may stamp the judge's signature on mental health commitments when the judge is not available and it is an emergency.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the powers of municipal judges hinges on which actions require a judicial decision versus administrative tasks. Municipal judges can carry out certain duties that a magistrate is empowered to perform, meaning they share those judicial functions within their jurisdiction. This is why the statement that municipal judges may perform duties that a magistrate has the authority to perform is correct—it reflects the delegated, overlapping authority that allows a municipal judge to handle magistrate-style duties when authorized by law.

The other statements describe powers typically reserved for clerks or improper substitutions for the judge’s authority. For example, issuing a capias, granting deferred disposition or Teen Court, or stamping a judge’s signature on emergency mental health commitments are not duties clerks are supposed to perform on the judge’s behalf.