Special Master reports now online
on Feb 1, 2007 at 10:24 am
The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it will post online the reports of Special Masters — individuals (usually experienced attorneys or retired judges) who are named by the Court to conduct preliminary reviews of Original cases that the Court has allowed to be filed before it, and to make recommendations for decisions on the merits. Original cases — that is, cases that actually are tried only in the Supreme Court — usually involve disputes between States, but can cover some other constitutionally desginated topics. Special Masters function something like hearing examiners.
The first two reports now shown on the site are Original 128, Alaska v. U.S., involving title to submerged lands offshore, and Original 129, Virginia v. Maryland, over control of the waters of the Potomac River. Both cases have been decided by the Court — the Alaska case in 2005, the Potomac River case in 2003.
Here is the Court’s announcement Thursday of the new online feature:
“Special Master reports are now being posted on the Supreme Court’s Web site. On the ‘Docket’ page of the Web site you will find a link titled ‘Special Master Reports.’ The Court will add reports as they are issued in the future. In addition, the Court plans to post past reports as well.
“Please contact the Public Information Office (202-479-3211) if you have any questions.”
The Court’s website can be found here.
