Magistrate Judge Authority

Magistrate judges may decide nondispositive matters and dispositive matters with consent.

Related Pretrial & Disposition rules

• Summary Judgment StandardSummary judgment is proper when no genuine dispute of material fact exists and movant is entitled to judgment as a…
• Rule 56 Evidence RequirementsParties must support factual positions with materials in the record; unsupported assertions cannot defeat summary…
• JMOL StandardJudgment as a matter of law is proper when a reasonable jury would have no legally sufficient basis to find for the…
• Renewed JMOLA renewed JMOL may be made after a jury verdict if the party moved for JMOL at trial.
• New Trial StandardA new trial may be granted when errors, unfair prejudice, or a verdict against the great weight of evidence occurred.
• Default JudgmentDefault judgment enters when defendant fails to respond and plaintiff shows entitlement based on well-pleaded…
• Relief from Judgment (Rule 60)Rule 60 relief is available for mistake, new evidence, fraud, void judgments, or other extraordinary reasons.
• Voluntary DismissalA plaintiff may dismiss once without prejudice before an answer or summary judgment motion.

Part of Civil Procedure on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.