Legal Document

423 U.S. 261 96 Supreme Court Reporter 549 46 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 483 Federal KF105 F3 David MATHEWS, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Petitioner,v.William G. WEBER. Number 74-850. Argued Nov. 4, 1975. Decided Jan. 14, 1976. Syllabus In addition to authorizing magistrates perform certain specified statutory functions, the Magistrates Act (Act) authorizes district courts assign "such additional duties as are not inconsistent with Constitution laws States." 28 Code KF62 § 636(b). Pursuant that provision, District adopted General Order 104-D, which, inter alia, requires initial reference a magistrate actions review administrative determinations regarding entitlement Social Security benefits, including Medicare. Respondent challenged final determination Welfare respondent was entitled claimed Medicare benefits. Under 42 405(g) court can such only on basis pleadings record, is bound by Secretary's factual findings if supported substantial evidence. The case assigned Judge at same time referred Magistrate "prepare proposed written order or decision, together fact conclusions law where necessary appropriate" for consideration after had reviewed record heard parties' arguments. Contending under Court's general violated Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 53(b) authorized Act, moved vacate reference. refused order. Appeals affirmed. Held: context this case, preliminary-review function one "additional duties" contemplates perform. Pp. 266-275. (a) Section 636(b) enacted permit increase scope responsibilities undertake upon reference, part its plan "to establish system capable increasing overall efficiency judiciary." But Congress also intended in references judge retain ultimate responsibility decisionmaking. 266-270. (b) type helps focus relevant portions what might be voluminous move directly any legal arguments, putting before preliminary evaluation evidence record. Although substantially assisting court, performs closed recommendation confined whether supports decision. remains judge, who has discretion anew. 270-272. (c) here does constitute special master there no conflict requirement "reference shall exception rule," made nonjury cases "only showing some exceptional condition it." acts an advisory role magistrate, master; free accept reject magistrate's whole part, whereas Rule 53(e) must master's finding it clearly erroneous. LaBuy versus Howes Leather Co., 352 249, 77 309, 1 290, distinguished. 272-275. 9 Cir., 503 Reporter, 2nd 1049, Michael Kimmel, Dept. Justice, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Peter D. Ehrenhaft, C., amicus curiae, support judgment below, invitation Court. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion question presented 631 et seq., permits refer all benefit oral argument, preparation recommended decision contains subject independent may, his discretion, hear matter 2 (1) 3 Weber brought action Central California challenge Education he reimbursement provisions added, 79 Statutes-at-Large 291, amended 1395 medical payments behalf wife. Such suit judicial 205(g) 53 1370, 405(g), governed standards. may consider so long they 4 When respondent's complaint filed, Clerk pursuant rule named Judge, simultaneously directions notice conduct hearings argument Judge. took these steps 104-D Court, which seven categories cases,1 filed 405(g). parties object recommendations. After acting objections forward entire file whom decision; "will calendar him deems appropriate." 5 arguing referral (2) Act. argued doubtful constitutionality contravention arguments expressly declined make but certified appeal 1292(b). 6 1049 (CA9 1974). That stressed limited nature inquiry Magistrate's authority remained "Were broad . us, have grounds complain. As applied, vulnerable attack mounted." F.2d, 1051. thus reached squarely Sixth Circuit Ingram Richardson, 471 1268 (1972). We granted certiorari, 420 989, 95 1422, 43 669 (1975),2 we affirm. 7 several years study, 1968 seq. abolished office commissioner, sought "reform first echelon judiciary into effective component modern scheme justice establishing magistrates." S.Rep.No.371, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., 8 (1967) (hereafter Senate Report). improve former attract most competent men women office, essence position analogous career service, replacing fee compensation salaries; gave both full- part-time definite term required wherever possible appoint members bar serve magistrates. over commissioners, them new try range misdemeanors consent parties. Title outlines procedure call other civil criminal cases. It provides: "Any States, concurrence majority judges rules full-time or, reasonably available, specially designated within territorial jurisdiction constitution States. include, restricted "(1) service appropriate action, applicable title Rules Civil Procedure courts; 10 "(2) assistance pretrial discovery proceedings actions; 11 "(3) applications posttrial relief individuals convicted offenses, submission report recommendations facilitate having should hearing." 12 three examples sets out are, statute itself states, exclusive. sponsor legislation, Senator Tydings, testified House hearings: 13 "The Magistrate(s) specifies areas because came up our thought were able from services. did limit mentioned. Nor require use functions all. 14 "We hope think innovative, imaginative want clean their caseload backlog will utilize perhaps even come courts." Hearings Subcommittee Committee Judiciary, 81 (1968) Hearings). 15 See Improvements Judicial Machinery 89th 27 (1966 1967) 16 included "permit magistrates, officers courts, variety presently performable themselves." Report, 12. enacting section expanding conferred hoped "increasing discharged ." Id., 11. 17 grew Congress' recognition multitude statutes regulations created avalanche work could performed multiplying number giving assistance. argues transfer simply irksome, ministerial tasks; respondent3 urges take wide substantive functions. need characterization federal either "para-judge," would it, "super-notary," argues, resolve case; best analogy particularly important. precedents officer it: British masters, justices peace, magistrates; own traditional masters equity; examiners.4 drew prior experience. What important congressional anticipation becoming reality; fiscal 1975, example, 500 disposed 255,061 matters, otherwise occupied judge. These 36,766 proceedings, 537 Annual Report Director, Administrative Office Courts VIII-4 (1975). Sussman, Fourth Tier System: Magistrate, 56 Chicago Bar Record 134 (1974); Geffen, Practice Before 47 L.A. Bull. 462 (1972); Doyle, Implementing 39 J.Kan. Assn. 25 (1970). 18 manifested concern well enthusiasm, however, considering Several witnesses, Director representatives Department, expressed fear improperly delegate reserved Article III judges. 107-128, 241n; 123-128.5 committee reports indicate met problem two ways. First, matters those "not Second, Act's sponsors quite clear "under supervision judges" when accepts referral, making decisions times "(A) every instance exercise jurisdiction." 73 (testimony Sen. Tydings). id., 127 Asst. Deputy Atty. Gen. Finley). 19 (3) 20 define full reach decide case. issue falls empowered them. directed neither party put court. gives single, narrow issue: decision?6 do more than propose recommendation, nor presumptive weight. follow wholly ignore satisfied, informed, determination, emphasize, 21 nonetheless assists performance function, benefits A court's attention point view neutral Review find Finally, puts cumulative effect address way narrows dispute. Each step process takes place participation They know precisely receiving frame accordingly. 22 conclude here, perform.7 23 (4) 24 taking master. From premise, asks us hold requiring automatic category comply mandate He that, similar reasons, permissible La Buy 290 (1957).8 provides accordance 53, act whatever purpose, characterized treats separately subsection (1), indicating structure different sort. Moreover, master, give weight decides merits. cannot said, therefore, sense uses term. 26 automatically Nothing argument; common observation remotely lend slightest credence extravagant assertion. express respect wisdom validity types cases; portion led particular today. cases, promotes focused, careful, decisionmaking categorically suggestion accept, uncritically, Our supra, result. Buy, motion complex, protracted antitrust eve trial. been pending years, motions, familiar issues involved. member bar, "clearly erroneous" test. cited problems attendant docket congestion satisfy 53's justified "exceptional circumstances." held facts affirmed Appeals' supervisory prohibition. although nearly decades past, recent dealing today erode it.9 acted capacity passed decided. Other factors distinguish well. simple complex yet invested familiarizing himself result carries merit commands sound warrants. persuaded premises proceeded threatened here. 29 Wingo Wedding, 418 461, 94 2842, 41 879 (1974), bear abandoned claim instance, precludes magistrate. reading habeas corpus statute, 2243, formed holding Wedding. 30 Affirmed. 31 STEVENS following cases: Actions re related statutes, "(B) carrier review, implement restrain orders Interstate Commerce Commission freight overcharges, 1336 49 304a. "(C) Actions, form otherwise, Immigration Naturalization Service. Included, limitation, involving deportation orders, denial preference classification visas petitions adjust status. "(D) adjudications Service Commission, various departments agencies, personnel wrongful discharge, reductions force, transfers, retirements, etc. "(E) branch establishment military denying discharge petitioner military, declaratory injunction. "(F) 923(f)(3) licenses engage business firearms ammunition importer, manufacturer dealer. "(G) Department Labor alien employment certification 1182(a)(14)." petition certiorari raises propriety (A) intimate provisions. Because appear, invited curiae Appeals. 421 985, 1987, 44 475 For convenience, taken respondent. administration profits analogy. Institute Administration, Study Role Masters English System (Federal Center Some like concern. TPO, Incorporated McMillen, 460 348 (CA7 1972); Reed Board Election Comm'rs, 459 121 (CA1 1972). cf. Palmore 411 389, 93 1670, 36 342 (1973). Note, Courts, 88 Harv.L.Rev. 779 (1975); Comment, An Adjudicative Cases, 40 U.Chi.L.Rev. 584 deal constitutional issues. Petitioner declines rely argument. Ordinarily, agree standard, leaving sole preliminarily recommendation; few turn law. suggested sub-categories raise interpretation separate treatment, Experience lead conclusion calls sending solely Though subsequently views, plainly considers claims appropriately magistrates' salaries 1972, subcommittee noted: "Magistrates courts. screen prisoner petitions, conferences social security appeals, Narcotics Addict Rehabilitation masters. short, render valuable thereby freeing actual trial cases." S.Rep. 92-1065, Page (1972) U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News Pages 3350, 3351 (emphasis added). body supervises aspects 604(d) reads way. distributed "checklist" includes appeals Conference Administration System, Duties Which Might Be Assigned (Mar. 1975). noted 1972 assigning VI-8 (CA6 contrary Yascavage Weinberger, 379 F.Supp. 1297 (MD Pa.1974); Bell 378 198 (ND Ga.1974); Murphy (Oct. 1966-Dec. 1974 Transfer Binder) Clearing Unempl. insurance Rep. P 17,608 (Conn.1974). relied extent another disapproving involved broader grant See, e. g., Flowers Crouch-Walker Corp., 507 1378 1974); generally Kaufman, Courts: 58 Col.L.Rev. 452 (1958); CAB Carefree Travel, Inc., 513 375 (CA2

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