A. General Designation. In every civil case, the court designates the magistrate
judge assigned to the case to perform the following duties authorized by 28
U.S.C. § 636:
1. Hear and determine any pretrial matter pending before the court,
except a motion: for injunctive relief, for judgment on the pleadings,
for summary judgment, to dismiss or to permit maintenance of a
class action, to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief
can be granted, or to involuntarily dismiss an action.
2. Conduct hearings, including evidentiary hearings, and submit to the
district judge proposed findings and recommendation for the
disposition of:
(a) dispositive pretrial matters such as motions for injunctive
relief, for judgment on the pleadings, for summary judgment,
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to dismiss or to permit maintenance of a class action, to
dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be
granted, or to involuntarily dismiss an action;
(b) applications for posttrial relief made by individuals convicted
of criminal offenses;
(c) prisoner petitions challenging conditions of confinement; and
(d) resolution of social security disability appeals.
3. Serve as a special master upon consent of the parties in civil cases.
B. Specific Designation. The district judge assigned to a case may specifically
designate a magistrate judge to perform any of the duties authorized by 28
U.S.C. § 636(b). In performing the designated duties, the magistrate judge
must conform to the Local Rules and the instructions of the district judge.
C. Consent Jurisdiction.
1. In every case, upon consent of the parties, the court specifically
designates the assigned full-time magistrate judge under 28 U.S.C.
§ 636(c) to conduct the proceedings in a civil matter and to order the
entry of judgment.
2. To consent in all cases except social security cases, a party must
complete and mail the consent form found on the court’s website under
Forms AO Forms 85 Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to
a Magistrate Judge to the clerk. The clerk will only file the form and
reassign the case if all parties have consented to the referral.
