U.S. Code > Appendix to Title 28 > FEDERAL RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE— (§§ Rule_1—Form_4) > TITLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS— (§§ Rule_25—Rule_48) > 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.