Special Magistrate

A special magistrate is a neutral legal professional, often an experienced attorney or retired judge, who is appointed by a court to handle specific issues in a case. Special magistrates assist in managing complex legal matters by conducting hearings, reviewing evidence, and making recommendations or rulings on particular disputes.

Their role is to ease the burden on the court by focusing on specific areas—such as discovery disputes, family law matters, property division, or compliance with court orders—so that the main judge can concentrate on the broader case. Depending on the jurisdiction and the order of appointment, a special magistrate’s decisions may be either advisory (recommendations subject to court approval) or binding if adopted by the court.

In short: A special magistrate acts as an extension of the court to streamline proceedings, resolve disputes efficiently, and help ensure fairness in the judicial process.