Texas § GV.54.977 - ORDER OF REFERRAL
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § GV.54.977 — ORDER OF REFERRAL, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ GV.54.977. ORDER OF REFERRAL
ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a) To refer one or more cases or matters to a magistrate, a judge must issue an order of referral specifying the magistrate's duties. (b) An order of referral may: (1) limit the powers of the magistrate and direct the magistrate to report only specific issues, do particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only; (2) set the time and place for the hearing; (3) prescribe a closing date for the hearing; (4) provide a date for filing the magistrate's findings; (5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the magistrate shall preside; (6) direct the magistrate to call the court's docket; and (7) set forth general powers and limitations of authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred. (c) A judge may issue a general order of referral authorizing the magistrate to act on certain types of matters without requiring an order for each referral. Items that may be in the general order of referral include: (1) waivers of extradition; (2) search warrants; (3) bench warrants; (4) grand jury subpoenas; (5) subpoenas and orders requiring the production of medical records, including records relating to mental health and substance abuse treatment; and (6) records and other matters relating to the grand jury. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 849, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1991. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 864 (H.B. 3856 ), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § GV.54.977
What does The Texas Constitution § GV.54.977 cover?
Section GV.54.977 ("ORDER OF REFERRAL") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § GV.54.977?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § GV.54.977" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § GV.54.977 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.