United States magistrates in the federal courts: subordinate judges

Abstract

Introduction The Federal Courts' Subordinate The US Magistrates: Historical Background and election Procedures A Brief History of the US Magistrates and Their Powers Who Are The US Magistrates? Selection and Background Characteristics Magistrates' Roles Within Representative Court Contexts Magistrates' Roles in District Court District A: Status Conflicts, Unmet Expectations, and Limited Formal Authority District B: Acknowledged Judges and the Incongruigty of High Status and Limited Actual Authority Districts C and D: Authority and Independence Developmental Factors and Consequences of Magistrates' Roles Factors That Determine Magistrates' Roles The Consequences of a Subordinate Judicial Officer Conclusion Selected Bibliography Index