Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge is a process in federal court where a civil action is referred to a Magistrate Judge for all further proceedings and entry of a final judgment. There are two different types of Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge. The first is when the parties agree to the referral and both parties file a written consent form with the court. The second type of Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge occurs when only one party files a Notice of Referral to a Magistrate Judge with the court. The Notice of Referral to a Magistrate Judge informs the court that the party wishes to have the case heard by a Magistrate Judge and that the other party is being given the opportunity to consent to the referral. If the other party does not consent within 14 days, the court will enter an order referring the case to a Magistrate Judge. The purpose of Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge is to provide an expedited and cost-effective way to resolve civil disputes. The Magistrate Judge may make decisions on all matters that are not dispositive, such as discovery disputes, summary judgment motions, or other non-dispositive matters. The Magistrate Judge can also enter a final judgment on the case if all parties consent to the referral.