Local Rule L.R. 73-2.1: Notice

L.R. 73-2.1 Notice. When a case is assigned initially to a Magistrate Judge, the Clerk shall provide a Notice of Assignment to a U.S. Magistrate Judge ("Notice") and a Declination of Consent Form ("Form") to the initiating party. The initiating party must serve the Notice and Form on each newly served party or party added to the case (e.g., intervention) at the time of service of the summons and complaint or other initiating document (e.g., Notice of Removal). The Notice will advise each party that: (1) the case has been assigned to a Magistrate Judge for all purposes, including trial and entry of judgment; and (2) any party may decline to consent to have the Magistrate Judge preside over the case by signing and returning the Form within fourteen (14) calendar days for cases initiated in the Central District and seven (7) calendar days for cases removed or transferred to the Central District. Incarcerated plaintiffs who are proceeding pro se may decline to consent to having the Magistrate Judge preside over the case by signing and returning the Form within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date of service of the Notice. The period to decline consent shall begin upon service of the Notice and Declination of Consent Form, either by issuance from the Clerk's Office or when served with the Notice and Form by the initiating party.