Commissioner
Commissioner: In many state court systems, a judicial officer appointed by the court, rather than elected, who hears assigned types of matters such as small claims, traffic, family support or certain motions. A commissioner's powers are set by state law and court rules; in some states a commissioner may act as a temporary judge only with the parties' agreement (for example, Cal. Const. art. VI, § 21). The word also names elected or appointed officials of a county or agency, which is a different role.
What commissioner means
In practice, you will see commissioner in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where commissioner comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if commissioner appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read commissioner in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Clerk of court: the court officer who maintains records, accepts filings and performs duties assigned by the rules, such as entering defaults.
- Client: a person or organization that engages a lawyer for legal services.
- Collateral: property pledged to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. If the debtor defaults, the secured party may be able to take or sell the collateral. Under UCC § 9-102(a)(12), collateral is the property subject to a security interest or agricultural lien.
- Collateral estoppel: issue preclusion: when an issue of fact or law is actually litigated and determined by a valid and final judgment, and the determination is essential to the judgment, it is generally conclusive in a later action between the parties, whether on the same or a different claim (Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 27).
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.