Federal Magistrate Act of 1979

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Magistrate Act of 1979 - Empowers a United State magistrate, when specially designated by the district court and upon consent of the parties, to conduct proceedings in a jury or nonjury civil matter. Authorizes appeal of such decisions to the district court, or directly to the court of appeals upon prior consent of the parties. Requires magistrates to be selected under standards and procedures promulgated by the Judicial Conference of the United States, including public notice of all vacancies and the establishment of merit selection panels. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to inform Congress annually on the background and qualifications of magistrates, and appeals from their decisions. Authorizes United States courts to require payment by the United States for the expenses of printing the record on appeal from magistrate proceedings. Authorizes magistrates to: (1) try and sentence persons accused of all misdemeanors, unless such person elects to be tried before a district judge; (2) exercise all powers under the Federal Youth Corrections Act, but disallows magistrates from imposing a sentence in excess of the maximum commitment terms; …