A bill to improve judicial machinery by further defining the jurisdiction of U.S. magistrates, and for other purposes.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Provides that a United States District Court judge may designate a magistrate to hear and determine, subject to review, any pretrial matter pending before the court except motions which are dispositive of the litigation, the disposition of which the magistrate may recommend, but not order. States that a judge may designate a magistrate to conduct evidentiary hearings and make recommendations for the disposition of applications for post-trial relief made by individuals convicted of criminal offenses and prisoner petitions challenging conditions of confinement. Provides that any party who has appeared before the magistrate may have the court hear de novo those portions of the report or specific proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law to which the party objects. Provides that a judge may designate a magistrate to serve as a special master in any civil case, upon consent of the parties. Allows a magistrate to be assigned such additional duties as are not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 636(b))…