The Active Judges and Senior Judges are appointed to the district bench by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the United States Senate, under Article III of the Constitution of the United States. (link is external)  The Article III judges exercise what Article III calls "the judicial power of the United States." For more information on Federal Judgeships, click here.

Magistrate Judges are selected by the district judges upon recommendation by a Merit Selection Panel. They are then appointed to serve for a period of eight years after which they may request consideration for reappointment.