This position conducts and adjudicates cases in civil, criminal and traffic court, and performs related administrative and judicial work as required.  The incumbent works within broad policy and organizational guidelines and does independent planning and implementation, reporting progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Conducts preliminary hearings to determine whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendant for further proceeding or trial; Issues warrants;  Adjudicates civil, criminal, and traffic cases; conducts bench and jury trials;  Presides over bond court;  Rules on motions and draft orders;  Conducts legal research as necessary; Files required reports