United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Federal and Local Rules of Appellate Procedure
December 1, 2023

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Rule 48. Masters

Rule 48. Masters
 
(a) Appointment; Powers. A court of appeals may appoint a special master to hold hearings, if necessary, and to recommend factual findings and disposition in matters ancillary to proceedings in the court. Unless the order referring a matter to a master specifies or limits the master's powers, those powers include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
(1) regulating all aspects of a hearing;
 
(2) taking all appropriate action for the efficient performance of the master's duties under the order;
 
(3) requiring the production of evidence on all matters embraced in the reference; and
 
(4) administering oaths and examining witnesses and parties.
 
(b) Compensation. If the master is not a judge or court employee, the court must determine the master's compensation and whether the cost is to be charged to any party.