Special Master

See also: People (as Sovereign) for example in common law case

In the law of the United States, a special master is generally a subordinate official appointed by a judge to make sure that judicial orders are actually followed, or in the alternative, to hear evidence on behalf of the judge and make recommendations to the judge as to the disposition of a matter. The special master should not be confused with the traditional common law concept of a master, a judge of the High Court entrusted to deal with summary and administrative matters falling short of a full trial.

In the federal judiciary of the United States, a special master is an adjunct to a federal court. Rule 53 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allows a federal court to appoint a special master, with the consent of the parties, to conduct proceedings and report to the Court

The judge is drawn from whatever circuit or district the case is in. Someone familiar with that court. The Special Master can be appointed when a judge appoints him or both parties agree to it.

Examples of a Special Master being appointed are the Michael Cohen case (Trumps personal attorney), Rudy Giuliani and the Project Veritas raid. In each of these cases the same Special Master was used, Judge Barbara Jones. Filter teams were also used.