The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Raymond S. Kent of the Western District of Michigan is due to expire on July 31, 2023. As required by law, the United States District Court has established a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the Magistrate Judge to a new eight-year term. See Admin. Order No. 22-AP-081 (September 23, 2022).
The duties of a magistrate judge in this Court include the following: (1) conduct most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; (3) conduct various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from a district judge; and (4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consentof the litigants.
Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent Magistrate Judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the Court and should be directed in writing to Ann E. Filkins, Clerk of Court, U.S. District Court, 399 Federal Bldg., 110 Michigan St., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022.