May 20, 2015 – The current term of U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker at Madison, Wis., is due to expire on Jan. 20, 2016. The U.S. District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.

The duties of a magistrate judge position include the following: 1) conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; 2) trying and disposing of misdemeanor cases; 3) conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court; and 4) trying and disposing of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.

Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court.

Comments should be directed to Chief Judge William M. Conley, 120 N. Henry St., Room 560, Madison, WI 53704.

Comments must be received by Aug. 7, 2015.