LOCAL RULE 72
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE DUTIES

72.1 DUTIES UNDER 28 U.S.C. § 636(a). Each full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the Middle District of Georgia is authorized and empowered (except as otherwise ordered by a district judge) to conduct proceedings in the following matters and to enter such orders, verdicts, judgments, sentences, findings and/or recommendations relating thereto, consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States:

1. All petty offenses, which include Class B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors, and infractions. All Class A misdemeanors, subject to the provisions regarding consent of the defendant set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3401(b).

2. All cases brought by prisoners filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or Bivens vs. Six Unknown Agents of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, 403 U.S. 388 (1970);

3. All applications for post-trial relief made by individuals convicted of criminal offenses, including, but not limited to, motions for writs of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 et. seq., § 2254, and § 2255;

4. All social security appeals;

5. All actions filed pursuant to provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended if referred by a district judge; and

6. Such other civil actions referred by a judge of this court for trial and/or disposition provided all parties therein consent.

72.2 NON-DISPOSITIVE PRETRIAL MATTERS. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A), magistrate judges shall hear and determine all pretrial criminal and civil matters assigned by the judges of this court except a motion of injunctive relief, for judgment on the pleadings, for summary judgment, to dismiss or quash an indictment or information made by the defendant, to suppress evidence in a criminal case, to dismiss or to permit maintenance of a class action, to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and to involuntarily dismiss an action.

72.3 DISPOSITIVE PRETRIAL MATTERS. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B), magistrate judges are hereby authorized and empowered at the election of the district judge to conduct hearings, including evidentiary hearings, and to submit to the judges of this court PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECOMMENDATIONS for the disposition by said judges of the following motions: a motion of injunctive relief, for judgment on the pleadings, for summary judgment, to dismiss or quash an indictment or information made by the defendant, to suppress evidence in a criminal case, to dismiss or to permit maintenance of a class action, to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and to involuntarily dismiss an action.

72.4 OTHER DUTIES OF MAGISTRATE JUDGES. A magistrate judge is also authorized to:

a. Conduct arraignments in cases not triable by the magistrate judge to the extent of taking a not guilty plea;

b. Receive grand jury returns in accordance with Rule 6(f) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure;

c. Issue subpoenas, writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum or habeas corpus ad prosequendum or other orders necessary to obtain the presence of parties or witnesses or evidence needed for court proceedings;d. Order the exoneration or forfeiture of bonds;

 e. Conduct examinations of judgment debtors in accordance with Rule 69 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and

f. Any and all other duties of a judicial officer of this court as are not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States; it being the express intention of the court to authorize magistrate judges to conduct any and all proceedings in this court permitted by 28 U.S.C.§ 636 whether or not specifically set forth in these rules.

g. Approve and sign scheduling/discovery orders submitted pursuant to Local Rule 26 on all full consent cases.