[Reserved]

Federal Circuit Rules of Practice (December 1, 2025) (Return to Table of Contents) FEDERAL RULE OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE 48 Masters (a) Appointment; Powers. A court of appeals may appoint a special master to hold hearings, if necessary, and to recommend factual findings and disposition in matters ancillary to proceedings in the court. Unless the order referring a matter to a master specifies or limits the master’s powers, those powers include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) (2) (3) regulating all aspects of a hearing; taking all appropriate action for the efficient performance of the master’s duties under the order; requiring the production of evidence on all matters embraced in the reference; and (4) administering oaths and examining witnesses and parties. (b) Compensation.

If the master is not a judge or court employee, the court must determine the master’s compensation and whether the cost is to be charged to any party.