The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge
Judith Gail Dein will expire on July 30. In accordance with 28
U.S.C. §631(b)(5) and regulations promulgated by the Judicial
Conference of the United States, the United States District Court
for the District of Massachusetts will appoint a panel of citizens
to advise the court concerning the reappointment of Judge Dein to a
new eight-year term.
The duties of a magistrate judge include, in criminal cases, the
conduct of most preliminary proceedings, as well as trials and
dispositions of misdemeanor offenses. In civil cases, the duties
encompass managing various pretrial matters, presiding over
evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the district judges and
conducting trials upon the consent of the litigants.
In aid of its review and evaluation of the incumbent's
performance in office, the panel will consider comments from
members of the bar and the public and any other evidence of Judge
Dein's character, ability, fairness and commitment to equal
justice. The panel will report its recommendations to the
court.
Comments from members of the bar and the public concerning the
incumbent's qualifications for reappointment are invited and must
be received by March 11, 2016. Comments should be marked
"Confidential" and directed to: Robert M. Farrell, Clerk of Court,
Attn: USMJ - Reappointment, United States District Court, 1
Courthouse Way, Suite 2300, Boston, MA 02210.