Definitions — Us Code Code § 639

Us Code Code § 639 — Definitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 639. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(1) "Conference" shall mean the Judicial Conference of the United States;

(2) "Council" shall mean the Judicial Council of the Circuit;

(3) "Director" shall mean the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts;

(4) "Full-time magistrate judge" shall mean a full-time United States magistrate judge;

(5) "Part-time magistrate judge" shall mean a part-time United States magistrate judge; and

(6) "United States magistrate judge" and "magistrate judge" shall mean both full-time and part-time United States magistrate judges.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 917; Pub. L. 90–578, title I, §101, Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1114; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §528a (July 10, 1946, ch. 548, 60 Stat. 525).

Provisions of section 528a of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., for furnishing seal is included in section 638 of this title.

Changes were made in phraseology.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1968—Pub. L. 90–578 substituted definition provisions for prior requirements obligating the Director to furnish docket books and forms to United States commissioners and, with approval of the chief judge of the district court, a copy of the United States Code, declaring such property to remain United States property, and calling for transmission of such property to successors in office or for its disposal as directed by the Director, now incorporated in section 638(a) and (b) of this title.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Words "magistrate judge" and "magistrate judges" substituted for "magistrate" and "magistrates", respectively, wherever appearing in text pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–578 effective Oct. 17, 1968, except when a later effective date is applicable, which is the earlier of date when implementation of amendment by appointment of magistrates [now United States magistrate judges] and assumption of office takes place or third anniversary of enactment of Pub. L. 90–578 on Oct. 17, 1968, see section 403 of Pub. L. 90–578, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

CHAPTER 44—ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Sec.
651.
Authorization of alternative dispute resolution.
652.
Jurisdiction.
653.
Neutrals.
654.
Arbitration.
655.
Arbitrators.
656.
Subpoenas.
657.
Arbitration award and judgment.
658.
Compensation of arbitrators and neutrals.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–315, §12(b)(1), (2), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2998, substituted "ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION" for "ARBITRATION" in chapter heading and amended analysis generally, substituting items 651 to 658 for former items 651 "Authorization of arbitration", 652 "Jurisdiction", 653 "Powers of arbitrator; arbitration hearing", 654 "Arbitration award and judgment", 655 "Trial de novo", 656 "Certification of arbitrators", 657 "Compensation of arbitrators", and 658 "District courts that may authorize arbitration".

About This Section

28 U.S.C. § 639 is part of Title 28 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 28 U.S.C. § 639. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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