The Law Mind

Exceptions to Direct Assignment of Cases to Magistrate

C.D. Cal. L.R. 73-2.3

Judges. The following categories of cases shall not be assigned to Magistrate Judges: (1) bankruptcy appeals and motions to withdraw the reference; (2) death penalty habeas petitions; and (3) initiating complaints that are accompanied by an application for a temporary restraining order.
Official source: https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2026-June-LRs-Chap-1.pdf · retrieved 2026-07-23