R.S. §§ 1983 and 1984 derived from acts Apr. 9, 1866, ch. 31, §§ 4, 5, 14 Stat. 28; May 31, 1870, ch. 114, §§ 9, 10, 16 Stat. 142.

Section was formerly classified to section 50 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

“United States magistrate judges” and “magistrate judges” substituted in text for “magistrates” wherever appearing pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Previously, “magistrates” substituted for “commissioners” pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§ 631 et seq.) of Title 28.

“District courts” substituted for “circuit courts” on authority of act Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, § 291, 36 Stat. 1167.