A motion judge is a type of judicial officer who presides over hearings and trials involving procedural motions, such as those related to discovery or other pre-trial matters. They are typically appointed by higher court officials for specific cases or periods of time, and their role is to manage the legal proceedings in an efficient and fair manner. In some jurisdictions, motion judges may also have broader responsibilities, such as presiding over certain types of civil or criminal trials, or serving as a temporary replacement for a sitting judge who is unavailable due to illness or other reasons.