In Re Alfonza Leonard Artis, Sr., Petitioner, 955 F.2d 40 (4th Cir. 1992)

Alfonza Leonard Artis, a Virginia prisoner, filed this petition for a writ of mandamus contending that the magistrate judge's action on preliminary matters in his 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (1988) petition violated Article III of the Constitution because Artis expressly declined to consent to the magistrate judge's jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.A. § 636(c) (West Supp.1991). He has also moved for expedited consideration. Artis sought an order directing that the magistrate judge's order be rescinded and that all other orders arising out of his case be entered by an Article III judge. However, magistrate judges may act on preliminary, nondispositive matters without the consent of the parties pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) (1) (1988).

Because delegation of preliminary matters to the magistrate judge does not violate Article III, we deny the petition. See Mathews v. Weber, 423 U.S. 261 (1976); Orpiano v. Johnson, 687 F.2d 44 (4th Cir. 1982). Although we grant leave to proceed in forma pauperis, we dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the Court and argument would not aid in the decisional process.

PETITION DENIED.