{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "cplr", "section": "4301", "citation": "CPLR § 4301", "heading": "Powers of referee to determine", "text": ["§ 4301. Powers of referee to determine.  A referee to determine an issue or to perform an act shall have all the powers of a court in performing a like function; but he shall have no power to relieve himself of his duties, to appoint a successor or to adjudge any person except a witness before him guilty of contempt. For the purposes of this article, the term referee shall be deemed to include judicial hearing officer."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/4301", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A referee assigned to decide an issue or perform an act has **all the powers of a court** doing that same job. **But three things a referee can NEVER do** ★:\n1. **Relieve himself of his duties** (can't quit the job on his own),\n2. **Appoint his own successor**, and\n3. **Hold anyone in contempt — except a witness** in front of him. ★\n\n★ For this article, **\"referee\" includes a Judicial Hearing Officer (JHO).\"**", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/cplr/4301", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}