A magistrate judge is a judicial officer of the district court. A magistrate judge of this
district is designated to perform, and may be assigned, any duty allowed by law to be
performed by a magistrate judge. Performance of a duty by a magistrate judge will be
governed by the applicable provisions of federal statutes and rules, the general procedural
rules of this court, and the requirements specified in any order or reference from a district
judge. In performing a duty, a magistrate judge may determine preliminary matters; require
parties, attorneys, and witnesses to appear; require briefs, proofs, and argument; and
conduct any hearing, conference, or other proceeding the magistrate judge deems
appropriate.
