Rule 1-2 Definitions; References to Judges and Magistrate Judges
Rule Text
(a) Definitions. In these Rules of Civil Procedure,
• "Party" or "Plaintiff" or "Defendant" refers to a represented party acting by counsel, and to any self-represented party, as the context requires.
• “Judge” refers to a sitting judicial officer appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature in accordance with 4 V.I.C. § 72(a) or appointed or designated pursuant to other statutory authority.
• “Magistrate Judge” refers to a sitting judicial officer appointed by the Presiding Judge in accordance with 4 V.I.C. § 122(a) or other statutory authority.
• "Presiding judicial officer" refers to a judge or magistrate judge.
• "Virgin Islands" refers to the United States Virgin Islands.
(b) Magistrate Judge Authority. Wherever the word “judge” appears in these Civil Rules, the authority and functions specified may be exercised by a magistrate judge to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with these rules, case law precedent, or any applicable statute.