Tex. Gov't Code § 54.301 : GOVERNMENT CODE — JUDICIAL BRANCH — JUDICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS — MASTERS; MAGISTRATES; REFEREES; ASSOCIATE JUDGES — CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATES IN DALLAS COUNTY — Appointment TEXT PDF (a) Each judge of a district court of Dallas County that gives preference to criminal cases, each judge of a criminal district court of Dallas County, and each judge of a county criminal court of Dallas County, with the consent and approval of the Commissioners Court of Dallas County, may appoint a magistrate to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter. (b) Judges may authorize one or more magistrates to share service with more than one court. (c) If a magistrate serves more than one court, the magistrate's appointment must be made with the unanimous approval of all the judges under whom the magistrate serves. Tex. Gov't. Code § 54.301 Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 215, Sec. 1, eff. 5/23/1997. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1985.