Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-02079/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-02079-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 110
Nature of Suit: Insurance
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Insurance Contract

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JAMES E. ROBERTS-OBAYASHI CORP.,

Plaintiff,

 v.

STEADFAST INSURANCE COMPANY, et al.

Defendants. /

No. C 05-02079 MJJ

ORDER

The Court is in receipt of Plaintiff James E. Roberts-Obayashi’s request to appoint a special

master in this case. Appointment of a pretrial special master is limited to matters that cannot be

addressed effectively and in a timely fashion by an available district judge or magistrate judge of the

district. FED. R. CIV. P. 53(a)(1)(C). In appointing a master, the court must consider the fairness of

imposing the likely expenses on the parties and must protect against unreasonable expense or delay. 

FED. R. CIV. P. 53(a)(3). The appointment of masters to participate in pretrial proceedings has

developed extensively over the last two decades as some district courts have felt the need for

additional help in managing complex litigation. Id. (2003 advisory committee notes). Rule 53 was

amended to confirm the authority to appoint—and to regulate the use of—pretrial masters. Id. A

pretrial master should be appointed only when the need is clear. Id.

The Court finds that there are no exceptional conditions which require the appointment of a

special master in this case. Accordingly, Plaintiff’s request is DENIED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: June _29___, 2005 /s/ 

MARTIN J. JENKINS

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 3:05-cv-02079-MJJ Document 21 Filed 06/29/05 Page 1 of 2
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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Case 3:05-cv-02079-MJJ Document 21 Filed 06/29/05 Page 2 of 2