Page images
PDF
EPUB

ing to: surveys by the Director; determination by the conference; and changes in number, locations, and salaries", respectively, for prior provisions for fees and expenses of United States commissioners, prescribing in undesignated introductory provisions a $10,500 limitation for any one calendar year for certain enumerated services rendered, and in former subsec. (c) for actual and necessary office expenses, including compensation of a necessary clerical assistant, of United States commissioners performing full time duty in office and not engaged in practice of law, now covered in sections 634 and 635 of this title.

1957-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85-276, § 1, placed in subsec. (a) provisions of former subsec. (b) relating to limitation of compensation of commissioners and, among other charges, increased fees and compensation of commissioners.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85-276, § 2, repealed subsec. (b) which limited compensation of commissioners.

1954 Act Aug. 13, 1954, added "and expenses" after "Fees" in the catchline.

Subsec. (c). Act Aug. 13, 1954 added subsec. (c).

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title. SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 634 of this title.

§ 634. Compensation.

(a) Officers appointed under this chapter shall receive as full compensation for their services salaries to be fixed by the conference pursuant to section 633 of this title, at rates not more than $22,500 per annum for full-time United States magistrates, and not more than $11,000 per annum nor less than $100 per annum for part-time United States magistrates. In fixing the amount of salary to be paid to any officer appointed under this chapter, consideration shall be given to the average number and the nature of matters that have arisen during the immediately preceding period of five years, and that may be expected thereafter to arise, over which such officer would have jurisdiction and to such other factors as may be material. Disbursement of salaries shall be made by or pursuant to the order of the Director.

(b) Except as provided by section 8344, title 5, relating to reductions of the salaries of reemployed annuitants under subchapter III of chapter 83 of such title and unless the office has been terminated as provided in this chapter, the salary of a full-time United States magistrate shall not be reduced, during the term in which he is serving, below the salary fixed for him at the beginning of that term.

(c) All United States magistrates, effective upon their taking the oath or affirmation of office, and all necessary clerical and secretarial assistants employed in the offices of full-time United States magistrates shall be deemed to be officers and employees in the judicial branch of the United States Government within the meaning of subsection III1 (relating to civil service retirement) of chapter 83, chapter 87 (relating to Federal employees' group life insurance), and chapter 89 (relating to Federal employees' health benefits program) of title 5. Part-time magis

1 So in original. Should read "subchapter III".

1

trates shall not be excluded from coverage under these chapters solely for lack of a prearranged regular tour of duty. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1112.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note.-Based on sections 29, 72, 74, 80h, 103, 104, 117h, 117], 132, 132a, 133, 175, 176, 198h, 1981, 204h, 204], 256f, 256h, 379, 380, 395h, 3951, 403c-9, 403c-11, 403h-7, 403h-9, 404c-7, 404c-9, 4080, and 408q of title 16, U. S. C., 1940 ed., Conservation (May 7, 1894, ch. 72, § 7, 28 Stat. 75; Apr. 17, 1900, ch. 192, § 1, 31 Stat. 133; Apr. 20, 1904, ch. 1400, §§ 9, 11, 33 Stat. 189; Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2516, § 2, 34 Stat. 1218; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, § 291, 36 Stat. 1167; Aug. 22, 1914, ch. 264, §§ 9, 11, 38 Stat. 701; June 30, 1916, ch. 197, §§ 9, 11, 39 Stat. 246; Aug. 21, 1916, ch. 368, §§ 9, 11, 39 Stat. 523, 524; June 2, 1920, ch. 218, §§ 11, 13, 41 Stat. 734; Mar. 4, 1923, ch. 295, 42 Stat. 1560; Apr. 25, 1928, ch. 434, §§ 9, 11, 45 Stat. 461; Apr. 26, 1928, ch. 438, §§ 9, 11, 45 Stat. 465; Mar. 2, 1929, ch. 583, §§ 9, 11, 45 Stat. 1539; Apr. 19, 1930, ch. 200, §§ 9, 11, 46 Stat. 229; June 25, 1935, ch. 309, §§ 2, 3, 49 Stat. 422; Aug. 19, 1937, ch. 703, §§ 9, 11, 50 Stat. 702, 703; June 25, 1938, ch. 684, § 2, 52 Stat. 1164; June 28, 1938, ch. 778, § 1, 52 Stat. 1213; Mar. 4, 1940, ch. 40, 2, 54 Stat. 43; Mar. 6, 1942, ch. 150, §§ 7, 9, 56 Stat. 135; Mar. 6, 1942, ch. 151, §§ 7, 9, 56 Stat. 137; Apr. 29, 1942, ch. 264, §§ 7, 9, 56 Stat. 260, 261; June 5, 1942, ch. 341, §§ 7, 9, 56 Stat. 319; Apr. 23, 1946, ch. 202, § 4, 60 Stat. 120; June 24, 1946, ch. 463, § 5, 60 Stat. 303).

Section consolidates provisions of sections 29, 72, 74, 80h, 103, 104, 117h, 117], 132, 132a, 133, 175, 176, 198h, 1981, 204h, 2041, 256f, 256h, 379, 380, 395h, 395], 403c-9, 403c-11, 403h-7, 403h-9, 404c-7, 404c-9, 4080 and 408q of title 16, Conservation, relating to salary and fees of park commissioners with changes in arrangement and phraseology necessary to effect consolidation.

The provisions of some of these sections that the park commissioner should be "paid an annual salary, as appropriated for by Congress, payable quarterly" were rewritten upon advice of the Judicial Conference Committee on the Revision of the Judicial Code appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States, in order to place administration supervision of commissioners upon the district court and the Judicial Conference of the United States.

The provisions of some of these sections for deposit of fees, costs, expenses, fines, and penalties with the clerk of district court were rewritten to provide merely that he shall account for the same as public moneys.

The provisions of some of these sections with reference to salaries of the United States attorney and his assistants and the United States marshal and his deputies were omitted as covered by sections 508 and 552 of this title.

SENATE REVISION AMENDMENT

As finally enacted, section 158d of title 16, U. S. C., which was derived from act May 15, 1947, ch. 55, § 4, 61 Stat. 91, 92, was an additional source of this section and was accordingly included by Senate amendment in the schedule of repeals. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.

AMENDMENTS

1968-Pub. L. 90-578 substituted provisions for compensation of United States magistrates, comprising subsecs. (a)-(c) of this section and relating to: limitation on amount of compensation and consideration of certain factors for its determination; reduction of salaries of full-time magistrates; and consideration as judicial branch officers and employees of United States magistrates and necessary clerical and secretarial assistants, for prior provisions for salaries of park commissioners and disposition of fees, fines, and costs collected as public moneys.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

CROSS REFERENCES

Compensation for overtime, see section 8331 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Payment of salaries by marshal, see section 571 of this

title.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 633 of this title.

§ 635. Expenses.

(a) Full-time United States magistrates serving under this chapter shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including the compensation of necessary clerical and secretarial assistance. Such expenses and compensation shall be determined and paid by the Director under such regulations as the Director shall prescribe with the approval of the conference. The Administrator of General Services shall provide such magistrates with necessary courtrooms, office space, furniture and facilities within United States courthouses or office buildings owned or occupied by departments or agencies of the United States, or should suitable courtroom and office space not be available within any such courthouse or office building, the Administrator of General Services, at the request of the Director, shall procure and pay for suitable courtroom and office space, furniture and facilities for such magistrate in another building, but only if such request has been approved as necessary by the judicial council of the appropriate circuit.

(b) Under such regulations as the Director shall prescribe with the approval of the conference, the Director shall reimburse part-time magistrates for actual expenses necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties under this chapter. Such reimbursement may be made, at rates not exceeding those prescribed by such regulations, for expenses incurred by such part-time magistrates for clerical and secretarial assistance, stationery, telephone and other communications services, travel, and such other expenses as may be determined to be necessary for the proper performance of the duties of such officers: Provided, however, That no reimbursement shall be made for all or any portion of the expense incurred by such part-time magistrates for the procurement of office space. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1112.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note.-Based on title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., §§ 597, 597a, 597b, 597c (May 28, 1896, ch. 252, §§ 21, 24, 29 Stat. 184, 186; Aug. 1, 1946, ch. 721, §§ 1-4, 60 Stat. 752, 753).

The provision of section 597c of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., excepting commissioners in the Territory of Alaska was omitted as unnecessary since this exception is implicit in the revised section. The words "in each judicial district" limit the section to the commissioners in the districts enumerated in chapter 5 which includes Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia but omits Alaska, Canal Zone, [Guam] and Virgin Islands.

Salaries of park commissioners are provided by section 634 of this title.

Changes were made in phraseology.

AMENDMENTS

1968-Pub. L. 90-578 substituted provisions relating to expenses for prior provisions prescribing residence for park commissioners.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

§ 636. Jurisdiction and powers.

(a) Each United States magistrate serving under this chapter shall have within the territorial jurisdiction prescribed by his appointment

(1) all powers and duties conferred or imposed upon United States commissioners by law or by the Rules of Criminal Procedure for the United States District Courts;

(2) the power to administer oaths and affirmations, impose conditions of release under section 3146 of title 18, and take acknowledgements, affidavits, and depositions; and

(3) the power to conduct trials under section 3401, title 18, United States Code, in conformity with and subject to the limitations of that section. (b) Any district court of the United States, by the concurrence of a majority of all the judges of such district court, may establish rules pursuant to which any full-time United States magistrate, or, where there is no full-time magistrate reasonably available, any part-time magistrate specially designated by the court, may be assigned within the territorial jurisdiction of such court such additional duties as are not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States. The additional duties authorized by rule may include, but are not restricted to

(1) service as a special master in an appropriate civil action, pursuant to the applicable provisions of this title and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for the United States district courts;

(2) assistance to a district judge in the conduct of pretrial or discovery proceedings in civil or criminal actions; and

(3) preliminary review of applications for posttrial relief made by individuals convicted of criminal offenses, and submission of a report and recommendations to facilitate the decision of the district judge having jurisdiction over the case as to whether there should be a hearing.

(c) The practice and procedure for the trial of cases before officers serving under this chapter, and for the taking and hearing of appeals to the district courts, shall conform to rules promulgated by the Supreme Court pursuant to section 3402 of title 18, United States Code.

(d) In a proceeding before a magistrate, any of the following acts or conduct shall constitute a contempt of the district court for the district wherein the magistrate is sitting: (1) disobedience or resistance to any lawful order, process, or writ; (2) misbehavior at a hearing or other proceeding, or so near the place thereof as to obstruct the same; (3) failure to produce, after having been ordered to do so, any pertinent document; (4) refusal to appear after having been subpenaed or, upon appearing, refusal to take the oath or affirmation as a witness, or, having taken the oath or affirmation, refusal to be examined according to law; or (5) any other act or conduct

which if committed before a judge of the district court would constitute contempt of such court. Upon the commission of any such act or conduct, the magistrate shall forthwith certify the facts to a judge of the district court and may serve or cause to be served upon any person whose behavior is brought into question under this section an order requiring such person to appear before a judge of that court upon a day certain to show cause why he should not be adjudged in contempt by reason of the facts so certified. A judge of the district court shall thereupon, in a summary manner, hear the evidence as to the act or conduct complained of and, if it is such as to warrant punishment, punish such person in the same manner and to the same extent as for a contempt committed before a judge of the court, or commit such person upon the conditions applicable in the case of defiance of the process of the district court or misconduct in the presence of a judge of that court. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1113.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note for former section 632 of this title covering jurisdiction, powers, and procedure.-Based on sections 27, 66, 67, 68, 80f, 100, 117e, 129, 172, 181b, 204e, 256d, 376, 395e, 403c-5, 403c-6, 403h-5, 404c-5, and 408m of title 16, U. S. C., 1940 ed., Conservation (May 7, 1894, ch. 72, § 5, 28 Stat. 74; Apr. 20, 1904, ch. 1400, § 6, 33 Stat. 188; Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2516, §§ 1, 2, 34 Stat. 1218; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 230, 36 Stat. 1086; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, § 291, 36 Stat. 1167; Aug. 22, 1914, ch. 264, § 6, 38 Stat. 700; June 30, 1916, ch. 197, § 6, 39 Stat. 245; Aug. 21, 1916, ch. 368, § 6, 39 Stat. 523; June 2, 1920, ch. 218, §§ 7, 8, 41 Stat. 733; Apr. 25, 1928, ch. 434, § 6, 45 Stat. 460; Apr. 26, 1928, ch. 438, § 6, 45 Stat. 464; Apr. 19, 1930, ch. 200, § 6, 46 Stat. 228; May 2, 1932, ch. 155, § 3, 47 Stat. 145; June 25, 1935, ch. 309, § 1, 49 Stat. 422; Aug. 19, 1937, ch. 703, § 5, 6, 50 Stat. 702; June 25, 1938, ch. 684, § 1, 52 Stat. 1164; June 28, 1938, ch. 778, § 1, 52 Stat. 1213; Mar. 4, 1940, ch. 40, § 2, 54 Stat. 43; Mar. 6, 1942, ch. 150, § 5, 56 Stat. 134; Mar. 6, 1942, ch. 151, § 5, 56 Stat. 137; Apr. 29, 1942, ch. 264, § 5, 56 Stat. 260; June 5, 1942, ch. 341, § 5, 56 Stat. 318; Apr. 23, 1946, ch. 202, § 2, 60 Stat. 120; June 24, 1946, ch. 463, § 2, 60 Stat. 303).

Section consolidates provisions of sections 27, 66, 67, 68, 80f, 100, 117e, 129. 172, 181b, 204e, 256d, 376, 395e, 403c-5, 403c-6, 403h-5, 404c-5 and 408m of title 16, U. S. C., 1940 ed., relating to jurisdiction and powers of park commissioners with necessary changes in arrangement and phraseology. For other provisions of such sections, see Distribution Table.

The provisions of sections 27, 66, 67, 68, 100, 117e, 129, 172, 181b, 204e, 256d, 376, 395e, 403c-5, 403c-6, 403h-5, 404c-5 and 408m of title 16, U. S. C., 1940 ed., relating to the powers of park commissioners respecting issuance of warrants of arrest and other process were omitted and are recommended for repeal as covered by sections 3041 and 3141 of revised title 18 (H.R. 1600, 80th Cong.), and Rules, 4, 5 (c), and 9 of the new Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Provisions in sections 27, 66, 67 68, 100, 117e, 129, 172, 181b, 204e, 256d, 376, 395e, 403c-5, 403c-6, 403h-5, 404c-5 and 408m of title 16, U. S. C., 1940 ed., for arrest without warrant for violation of law or regulation within a national park were also omitted and are recommended for repeal as covered by section 3054 of revised title 18 (H. R. 2200, 79th Cong.), Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

SENATE REVISION AMENDMENT

As finally enacted, section 158b of Title 16, U. S. C., which was derived from act May 15, 1947, ch. 55, § 2, 61 Stat. 92, was an additional source of this section, and such act was accordingly included by Senate amendment in the schedule of repeals. No change in the text of the section

was necessary as the result of inclusion of such section 158b. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.

As finally enacted, act May 15, 1947, ch. 57, 61 Stat. 92, which amended section 403c-5 of Title 16, U. S. C., was an additional source of this section, and such act was accordingly included by Senate amendment in the schedule of repeals. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.

Reviser's Note for former section 637 of this title covering caths, acknowledgments, affidavits and despositions. Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§ 525, 758 (R. S. § 945; May 28, 1896, ch. 252, § 19, 29 Stat. 184; Mar. 2, 1901, ch. 814, 31 Stat. 956; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, § 291, 36 Stat. 1167).

This section consolidates part of section 525 with section 758 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed. The provision of said section 525 empowering clerks and deputy clerks to administer oaths is incorporated in section 953 of this title. The provision of said section 758 that acknowledgments of bail and affidavits should have the same effect as if taken before judges was omitted as surplusage. The exception as to Alaska, provided in section 591 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., and referred to in section 525 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., was omitted as unnecessary since section 108 of title 48, U. S. C., 1940 ed., Territories and Insular Possessions, and section 1119 of the Compiled Laws of Alaska, 1933, give commissioners all powers of notaries public. See also reviser's notes to sections 631 and 633 of this title.

Word "acknowledgments" was inserted to make it clear that commissioners, like justices of the peace, can take acknowledgments as well as oaths, affidavits, etc.

The authority to take depositions was included to conform to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 28. Changes were made in phraseology.

AMENDMENTS

1968-Pub. L. 90-578 substituted provisions declaratory of jurisdiction and powers of United States magistrates for prior provisions respecting rendition of accounts by United States commissioners.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 633 of this title. § 637. Training.

The Federal Judicial Center shall conduct periodic training programs and seminars for both full-time and part-time United States magistrates, including an introductory training program for new magistrates, to be held within one year after initial appointment. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1114.)

AMENDMENTS

1968-Pub. L. 90-578 substituted provisions for periodic training programs and seminars for United States magistrates for prior authorization of United States commissioners to administer oaths and take bail, acknowledgements, affidavits, and depositions, now incorporated in section 636 (a) (2) of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

§ 638. Dockets and forms; United States Code; seals.

(a) The Director shall furnish to United States magistrates adequate docket books and forms prescribed by the Director. The Director shall also furnish to each such officer a copy of the current edition of the United States Code.

(b) All property furnished to any such officer shall remain the property of the United States and, upon the termination of his term of office, shall be transmitted to his successor in office or otherwise disposed of as the Director orders.

(c) The Director shall furnish to each United States magistrate appointed under this chapter an official impression seal in a form prescribed by the conference. Each such officer shall affix his seal to every jurat or certificate of his official acts without fee. (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1114.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note.-Based on title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., §§ 528, 528a (June 28, 1906, ch. 3573, 34 Stat. 546; July 10, 1946, ch. 548, 60 Stat. 525).

Section consolidates section 528 and part of section 528a of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., with changes in phraseology necessary to effect consolidation.

Provisions of section 528a of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., relating to dockets and forms, are incorporated in section 639 of this title.

Words "Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts" were substituted for "Attorney General", contained in section 528 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., in view of Act Aug. 7, 1939, ch. 501, § 6, 53 Stat. 1226, 28 U. S. C., 1940 ed., following § 446, giving the Directors supervision of court administrative matters. Changes in phraseology were made.

AMENDMENTS

1968-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90-578 incorporated in provisions designated as subsec. (a) provisions of the first par. of former section 639 of this title, substituting "United States magistrates" for prior designation as "United States Commissioners", specifying that the copy of the United States Code be a current edition, and dispensing with approval by the chief judge of the district court for a copy of such Code.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90-578 incorporated in provisions designated as subsec. (b) provisions of the second par. of former section 639 of this title.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90-578 designated existing provisions as subsec. (c), and substituted "United States magistrate" for "United States commissioner", provision for appointment under this chapter rather than after July 10, 1946, provision that the form of the seal be prescribed by the conference rather than the Director, and "without fee" for "without additional fee".

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90-578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

§ 639. Definitions.

As used in this chapter

(1) "Conference" shall mean the Judicial Conference of the United States;

(2) "Council" shall mean the Judicial Council of the Circuit;

(3) "Director" shall mean the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (4) "Full-time magistrate" shall mean a fulltime United States magistrate;

(5) "Part-time magistrate" shall mean a parttime United States magistrate; and

(6) "United States magistrate" and "magistrate" shall mean both full-time and part-time United States magistrates.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90-578, title I, § 101, 82 Stat. 1114.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note.-Based on title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., § 528a (July 10, 1946, ch. 548, 60 Stat. 525).

Provisions of section 528a of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., for furnishing seal is included in section 638 of this title. Changes were made in phraseology.

AMENDMENTS

1968-Pub. L. 90-578 substituted definition provisions for prior requirements obligating the Director to furnish docket books and forms to United States commissioners and, with approval of the chief judge of the district court, a copy of the United States Code, declaring such property to remain United States property, and calling for transmission of such property to successors in office or for its disposal as directed by the Director, now incorporated in section 638 (a) and (b) of this title.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1968 AMENDMENT

Amendment by Pub. L. 90-578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90-578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

[blocks in formation]

(a) The Supreme Court may appoint and fix the compensation of a clerk and one or more deputy clerks. The clerk shall be subject to removal by the Court. Deputy clerks shall be subject to removal by the clerk with the approval of the Court or the Chief Justice of the United States.

(b) The clerk shall give bond to the United States in an amount fixed by the Court, and with sureties approved by the Court conditioned on the faithful and seasonable discharge of his duties. Such bond shall be filed in the Department of Justice. A renewed or augmented bond may be required at any time by the Court.

(c) The clerk may appoint and fix the compensation of necessary assistants and messengers with the approval of the Chief Justice of the United States.

(d) The clerk shall pay into the Treasury all fees, costs, and other moneys collected by him. He shall make annual returns thereof to the Court under regulations prescribed by it (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 918; Mar. 10, 1964, Pub. L. 88-279, § 1, 78 Stat. 158.)

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Reviser's Note.-Based on title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., §§ 325, 326, 327, 541 and 542 (Feb. 22, 1875, ch. 95, §§ 2, 3, 18 Stat. 333; Mar. 3, 1883, ch. 143, 22 Stat. 631; Mar. 15,

[ocr errors]

1898, ch. 68, § 8, 30 Stat. 317; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §§ 219, 220, 221, 291, 36 Stat. 1152, 1153, 1167; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304, 42 Stat. 24).

This section consolidates sections 541 and 542 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., with parts of sections 325, 326 and 327 of such title.

The provisions in said section 325 relating to appointment of a marshal and reporter are incorporated in sections 672 and 673 of this title.

The provisions in section 327 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., relating to duties and liabilities of the clerk's deputies are incorporated in section 954 of this title.

The provision of section 326 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., that a duly certified copy of the clerk's bond should be competent evidence in any court, is incorporated in section 1737 of this title.

The provision that the clerk shall be subject to removal by the Court is new. Section 327 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., contained a similar provision as to deputies, but fixed no term of office for the clerk and made no provision for his removal. The Supreme Court held, in 1839, that a district judge had power to remove his clerk at pleasure in absence of any law fixing the clerk's tenure. In re Hennen, 38 U. S. 230, 13 Pet. 230, 10 L. Ed. 138. (See, also Myers v. U. S., 1926, 47 S. Ct. 21, 272 U. S. 52, 71 L. Ed. 160.)

The provision in section 326 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., that the clerk's bond be not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000 was omitted. The Supreme Court should have wide discretion in such administrative matters. (See Hearings before Appropriations Committee, House of Representatives, 78th Cong., 2d sess., on Judiciary Appropriation Bill for 1945, page 102.)

A provision of section 326 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., that a renewed or augmented bond should be required upon the Attorney General's motion and after thirty days' notice was omitted. The manner of requiring such bond is left to the Court's discretion by the revised section.

A further provision of section 326 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., that the failure to furnish such renewed or augmented bond should vacate the clerk's office was omitted as unnecessary, since the clerk is removable by the Court under this section.

The references in section 541 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., to return "under oath" to be made "on the 1st day of January of each year, or thirty days thereafter" and "on a form prescribed by the Attorney General", were omitted as fully covered by the revised language "annual returns" under "regulations prescribed by the Court". Verification seems unnecessary especially as clerks of the courts of appeals are not required to submit similar returns under oath (see section 711 of this title). "Court" was substituted for "Attorney General", since the latter's powers and functions in court administrative matters have been transferred to the Director of the Administration Office of the United States Courts. (See sections 604 and 607 of this title.) The Director, however, exercises no authority in Supreme Court matters.

Section 542 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., provided that the clerk "shall not retain", out of fees received, more than $6,000 annually above clerk hire and expenses; that the surplus should be paid into the Treasury. Such indirect and unusual provision is simplified in this section by providing that his salary shall be fixed by the Court. Such salary limitation is omitted as inconsistent with larger salaries paid other clerks of courts.

The provisions that the Court shall fix the compensation of deputy clerks, and that the clerk shall fix the compensation of assistants and messengers with the approval of the Chief Justice, are new. Current appropriation Acts providing that the compensation of officers and employees of the Supreme Court, other than clerk and reporter shall be fixed by the court, unnecessarily burden the court with administrative details. Provision for allowance and approval of payments of compensation and office expenses by the clerk upon allowance and approval by the Chief Justice, instead of by the Court, was inserted with the approval of the Judicial Conference Committee on Revision of the Judicial Code as not inconsistent with section 542 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed.

References in sections 541 and 542 of title 28, U. S. C., 1940 ed., to certification of expenses by the justices and

for audit and allowances by the General Accounting Office, were omitted as unnecessary in view of this section. Changes were made in phraseology.

AMENDMENTS

1964 Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 88-279 eliminated provision for disbursement by the clerk of the compensation of the clerk, his deputies, assistants, and messengers and the necessary expenses of the office from the fees collected by the clerk, upon allowance and approval by the Chief Justice of the United States.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 88-279 substituted "moneys collected by him" for "emoluments of his office over and above his lawful disbursements."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT

Section 4 of Pub. L. 88-279 provided that: "The amendments proposed in this Act [amending subsecs. (c) and (d) of this section and section 672 of this title] shall become effective only when funds have been appropriated and are available to pay the salaries and other expenses of the clerk's office."

APPROPRIATIONS

Section 3 of Pub. L. 88-279 provided that: "There are hereby authorized to be appropriated annually such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act [amending subsecs. (c) and (d) of this section and section 672 of this title]."

CROSS REFERENCES

Compensation for overtime, see section 8331 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Fees of clerk to be fixed by Supreme Court, see section 1911 of this title.

Oath of clerk and deputies, see section 951 of this title. § 672. Marshal.

(a) The Supreme Court may appoint a marshal, who shall be subject to removal by the Court, and may fix his compensation.

(b) The marshal may, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the United States, appoint and fix the compensation of necessary assistants and other employees to attend the Court, and necessary custodial employees.

(c) The marshal shall:

(1) Attend the Court at its sessions;

(2) Serve and execute all process and orders issued by the Court or a member thereof;

(3) Take charge of all property of the United States used by the Court or its members;

(4) Disburse funds appropriated for work upon the Supreme Court building and grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol upon certified vouchers submitted by the Architect;

(5) Disburse funds appropriated for the purchase of books, pamphlets, periodicals and other publications, and for their repair, binding, and rebinding, upon vouchers certified by the librarian of the Court;

(6) Pay the salaries of the Chief Justice, associate justices, and all officers and employees of the Court and disburse other funds appropriated for disbursement, under the direction of the Chief Justice.

(7) Pay the expenses of printing briefs and travel expenses of attorneys in behalf of persons whose motions to appear in forma pauperis in the Supreme Court have been approved and when counsel have been appointed by the Supreme

« PreviousContinue »