Case Name: Charles A. Watson, relator v. James A. Randall, Circuit Court Commissioner
Court: Michigan Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Michigan
Decision Date: 1880-10-27
Citations: 44 Mich. 514
Docket Number: 
Parties: Charles A. Watson, relator v. James A. Randall, Circuit Court Commissioner.
Judges: The other Justices concurred.
Reporter: Michigan Reports
Volume: 44
Pages: 514–514

Head Matter:
Charles A. Watson, relator v. James A. Randall, Circuit Court Commissioner.
Circuit court commissioner may tax costs.
A circuit court commissioner may tax costs in proceedings under the Fraudulent Debtor’s Act, and issue execution for their collection; and mandamus lies to compel him to do so.
Mandamus to require a circuit court commissioner to issue execution for costs already taxed by him in proceedings under the' Fraudulent Debtor’s Act.
Submitted October. 26.
Granted October 27.
Wisner & Speed for the writ.
George S. Hosmer against.

Opinion:
Marston, C. J.
If the question were now for the first time presented to this court as to the judicial power which could, under our Constitution, be conferred upon circuit court commissioners, we might hesitate. Under the cases which have recognized such a power as being properly conferred, we are of opinion that the commissioner did have authority to tax the costs and issue execution for the collection thereof. This is certainly no greater than the authority exercised in issuing commitments. The question was a proper one to be passed upon by this court, and while the writ will issue as prayed, no costs will be allowed.
The other Justices concurred.