Jurisdiction, Venue, and Forum
Court Structure
Magistrate judges rule on non-dispositive pretrial motions, issue reports and recommendations on dispositive motions, conduct settlement conferences, and try cases where all parties consent.
Review standards differ by motion type.
Alternative Names:
United States Magistrate Judge|Magistrate
Why it Matters?
Review standards differ sharply, since non-dispositive rulings are reviewed only for clear error or contrariness to law while reports on dispositive motions receive de novo review of objected portions. Failing to object within fourteen days waives review entirely. Consenting to magistrate trial jurisdiction trades the district judge for typically faster scheduling, which is a genuine consideration where trial date certainty matters.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How does review differ by motion type?
What waives review?


