Zimmerman's father wasn't a judge

[Kaleva]

“Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006. Please be advised that in Virginia magistrates are judicial officers, but they are not considered "judges" and do not possess trial jurisdiction. More detailed information on the role of the magistrate in Virginia is available on Virginia's Judicial System Website .”

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/zimmerman-dad-worked-as-magistrate

A magistrate in Virginia is a justice of the peace.

§ 19.2-33. Office of magistrate.

"The office of magistrate shall be vested with all the authority, duties and obligations previously vested in the office of justice of the peace prior to January 1, 1974."

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+19.2-33

Prior to 2008, one didn't need a college degree to be one.

"B. Every person appointed as a magistrate on and after July 1, 2008, shall be required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. A person initially appointed as a magistrate prior to July 1, 2008, who continues in office without a break in service is not required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education."

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+19.2-37

[elleng]

1. Thanks. Looked for similar clarification earlier,

but wasn't as successful as you.

[DURHAM D]

2. The last Magistrate I appeared before in North Carolina -

was a plumber before he became a Magistrate.

The one before that hung wallpaper.

They knew NOTHING about the law. Their only training was a two day seminar and the book for magistrates. It was about 150 pages in large print.

[Kaleva]

3. One of my aunts was a justice of the peace for many years.

Her main job was to ensure minors weren't drinking beer at wedding receptions.

[DURHAM D]

4. LOL

My grandfather was a "Police Magistrate" back in the 30s and 40s. I don't think he ever did anything. It was a very small town.

[Politicalboi]

5. So then this is why the media didn't run with this judge story

I'm still wondering how Zimmerman got away with all he did and still doing so with no help from daddy.

[Kaleva]

6. Duties of a magistrate in Virginia

Magistrates in Virginia have the power to:

"to issue arrest warrants
to issue search warrants
to admit to bail or commit to jail
to issue warrants or subpoenas
to issue civil warrants
to administer oaths and take acknowledgements
to act as conservator of the peace
to accept prepayment for traffic and certain minor misdemeanor offenses
to issue temporary detention orders"

http://www.bvso.net/Documents/The%20Office%20of%20The%20Virginia%20Magistrate.pdf

Doesn't look like a guy who'd have alot of pull in another state.

[Kaleva]

7. Robert Zimmerman had four days of training to be a magistrate

Robert served from 2000 to 2006. The new standards for being a magistrate came in effect in 2008.

"...and the mandatory training will jump from four days to four weeks."

http://valawyersweekly.com/2008/04/07/magistrate-system-is-upgraded-pay-is-not/

A college degree also became mandatory in 2008.

"...magistrates hired after July 1 will have to have a bachelor’s degree and chief magistrates will have to be licensed to practice law."