Consolidation and separate trials

(a) When actions involving common questions of law or fact are pending before a magistrate, he/she may order a joint trial of any or all such questions in the actions. (b) The magistrate, in furtherance of judicial convenience or economy or to prevent prejudice, may order a separate trial of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-party claim pleaded or asserted in an action. (Adopted by order entered July 1, 1991, effective August 1, 1991.)