How do civil litigants request trials before magistrate judges?
A. All parties must consent in writing and the case must be officially transferred by the district judge. Forms are available on line and from the Clerk of Court. Q. Are a party’s rights affected when litigants consent to have a magistrate judge hear a case? A. Consenting to jurisdiction of a magistrate judge does not eliminate substantive or procedural rights litigants would otherwise have before a district judge. For example, parties retain their right to a jury trial. Q. Do magistrate judges handle many civil jury cases? A. Yes. In 1999, magistrate judges conducted approximately 21 per cent of the civil jury trials in United States district courts. When all parties consent, magistrate judges may conduct trials and enter judgments in civil cases of any type or size. Q. Do magistrate judges handle many criminal cases? A. Yes. With consent of defendants, magistrate judges may preside in Class A misdemeanor cases, including conducting jury trials. In 1999, magistrate judges terminated 1
