NCJ Number
40097
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (WINTER 1976) Pages: 141-156
Date Published
1976
Length
16 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF THE OFFICE OF US MAGISTRATE ON THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ACTIVITIES OF MAGISTRATES AND US COMMISSIONERS ARE STUDIED, ESPECIALLY THE CASES AND ISSUES WHICH THE MAGISTRATES CONSIDER. THE STRUCTURE OF THE MAGISTRATE SYSTEM, THE CHANGES IN THEIR AUTHORITY AND ACTIVITY WITHIN THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM, AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISTRICT COURT JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES ARE ALSO EXAMINED. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT THE MAGISTRATES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING US DISTRICT COURT CASELOADS AND ASSISTING DISTRICT COURT JUDGES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES, BUT THAT FURTHER PERFORMANCE OR EXPANSION OF DUTIES COULD BE HAMPERED BY A LACK OF DEFINITION OF THE MAGISTRATES' AUTHORITY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...EB