R.S. § 1987 derived from acts Apr. 9, 1866, ch. 31, § 7, 14 Stat. 29; May 31, 1870, ch. 114, § 12, 16 Stat. 143.

Section was formerly classified to section 53 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

“United States magistrate judge” and “magistrate judge” substituted in text for “magistrate” 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, “magistrate” substituted for “commissioner” pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§ 631 et seq.) of Title 28.