E. T. Mullen, "The 'Minor Judges': Some Literary and Historical Considerations", CBQ 44 (1982), 185-201.

For the deuteronomistic writers of Judges, the Shofet was designated by Yahweh to deliver his people. The title "Judge" was chosen on theological grounds to act as an indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness to the deuteronomic law and as testimony to Yahweh's mercy. The different literary presentation of the "major" and "minor" judges (Judg. 10:1-5; 12:7-15) indicates a difference in literary purpose rather than office. There is no evidence to indicate any judicial activity on the part of these figures, with the possible exception of Deborah (Judg. 4:4). The story of Jephthah indicates that the offices of "deliverer" and "judge" were identical. (K.W.W.)