Opinion ID: 2995359
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Imposition of Costs

Text: Finally, Cooper challenges the imposition of costs. Following the jury verdict, Eagle River petitioned the clerk of the district court for costs pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54 and 28 U.S.C. sec. 1920. Magistrate Judge Skupniewitz, who also serves as clerk of the court in the Western District of Wisconsin, considered the matter, accepted Cooper’s written objections, and awarded costs totaling $17,697.65. As a general rule, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54 (d)(1) allows the clerk of the court to impose costs, and the action of the clerk may be reviewed by the district court within five days. In Rose v. Maremont Corp., 850 F.2d 1226, 1255 (7th Cir. 1988), this court held that a party who objected to the imposition of costs, but did so after the five-day time limit imposed by Rule 54 (d)(1) expired, waived any challenge to the costs taxed. While that case dealt with an untimely objection, other circuits have held that the courts of appeals may review costs taxed only when the party first moves for review in the district court. See Walker v. California, 200 F.3d 624, 626 (9th Cir. 1999). This case, however, presents a unique problem due to the dual role of Magistrate Judge Skupniewitz, who serves as both judicial officer and clerk of the court. At oral argument, Cooper maintained that her failure to seek review in the district court pursuant to Rule 54 (d)(1) stemmed from her belief that Magistrate Judge Skupniewitz entered the order as the presiding district judge, and not pursuant to his ministerial duties as the clerk of the court. Cooper argues that by filing written objections before Magistrate