Conduct of small claims hearing by district court judge or magistrate; appeal

A small claims hearing may be conducted either by a district court judge or by a district court magistrate who is an attorney licensed to practice in this state and who is authorized to do so by the chief judge of the district court district as provided in section 8514. If the hearing is conducted by a district court magistrate, an appeal de novo as of right may be taken by either party to the small claims division of the district court. Appeal shall be taken within 7 days after the entry of the decision of the magistrate. Further appeal from the judgment of the district court judge shall not be available to either party.