SPECIAL MASTER Meaning and
Definition
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A special master is a legal term referring to a neutral party appointed by a court in extraordinary circumstances to oversee and manage a specific aspect of a case, usually involving complex or technical issues. This individual is typically an expert in the relevant field and possesses specialized knowledge or experience that is necessary for resolving the specific matter at hand. Special masters are commonly appointed in complex litigation cases or in situations where judicial expertise or impartiality is required.
The primary role of a special master is to assist the court by gathering information, analyzing evidence, and providing recommendations or solutions to the court regarding the specific issue they have been appointed to address. They act as an extension of the court and help to streamline the legal process by efficiently managing complex or time-consuming tasks.
Special masters are often appointed in cases involving areas such as accounting, medicine, engineering, or other specialized fields that require expert judgment. Their reports and recommendations, although non-binding, are given significant weight by the court due to their expertise and impartiality. Moreover, special masters may also mediate disputes between parties, evaluate compliance with court orders, or even administer financial distributions.
Overall, the primary purpose of a special master is to ensure fairness, efficiency, and expertise in the resolution of complex legal matters, ultimately assisting the court in making well-informed decisions.
Etymology of SPECIAL MASTER
The word "special" comes from the Latin word "specialis", which means "particular" or "individual". It originated from the Latin word "species", meaning "appearance" or "kind".
The term "master" originated from the Old English word "mægister", which means "chief, director, or teacher". It can be traced back to the Latin word "magister", meaning "chief, head, or teacher".
In the legal context, the term "special master" originated from the combination of these two words. It refers to an individual appointed by a court to manage a specific or specialized aspect of a case. The term "special" emphasizes the particular or unique skills and knowledge required for the master's role.
