Rule 1.7. Initial Appearance Masters

a. Appointment. The presiding judge of the superior court in any county may appoint one or more masters for the sole purpose of conducting initial appearances under Rule 4. These masters shall have a one year term and are subject to reappointment for additional terms.


b. Compensation. The compensation of masters appointed under this rule shall be set by the presiding judge and paid from any available funding source identified by the presiding judge.


c. Qualifications and Training. Masters appointed under this rule shall have a combination of education and work experience that, in the opinion of the presiding judge, qualifies them to conduct initial appearances but need not be members of the State Bar of Arizona. Prior to assignment, a master must successfully complete training regarding the law, procedures and judicial conduct relevant to their duties. Masters shall receive annual training concerning changes in relevant statutes, rules and case law.


d. Authority and Assignment. The authority of masters duly assigned shall be restricted to the conduct of initial appearances. The assignment of masters shall be the exception and not the rule. Presiding judges shall first assign available justices of the peace or magistrates and judges pro tempore to perform these duties. However, when these judges are not reasonably available, a presiding judge may assign masters appointed under this rule to perform these duties in any court in the county.

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