IMPORTANT NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A
MAGISTRATE JUDGE TO EXERCISE JURISDICTION

In accordance with 28 U.S.C §636(c), F.R.Civ.P.73 and Local Rule 305, the United States Magistrate Judges sitting in Sacramento and Fresno are available to exercise the court's case dispositive jurisdiction and to conduct any or all case dispositive proceedings, including motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, a jury or non jury trial, and entry of a final judgment.  Exercise of this jurisdiction by a Magistrate Judge is however, permitted only if all parties file a voluntarily consent (form).  Parties may, without adverse substantive consequences, withhold their consent, but this will prevent the court's case dispositive jurisdiction from being exercised by a Magistrate Judge. Please note that judges will only be informed of a party's response if all parties consent to the referral.   

Any appeal from a judgment entered by a Magistrate Judge is taken directly to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit or, where appropriate, for the Federal Circuit in the same manner as an appeal from any other judgment of a District Court.

Consent Form

A Case for Consent - from the Chief District Judge

Fresno Division Magistrate Judge Biographies