I don't know if I would call a "master" a 3rd party in the legal system. They are part of the court and used--for the most part--to either mediate in hopes a case doesn't have to go to the judge or examine something that would take up too more of the court and judges time.
If you be been through a custody/support case, you probably know "masters" all too well.
I'm sure PC Mag meant a third party within the judicial system, but some may be scratching their heads as to why thar happened.
Disclaimer: I may not be 100% accurate as I a, not a lawyer and only going on what I know or experienced firt-hand
CNET has a decent article on this. The special master is an unpaid agent of the court (usually a retired judge or law professor) who are not related to the case at hand. In this case, the special master will examine Chen's possessions for evidence related to the stolen iPhone and forward only that information to the presiding judge. Chen gets an opportunity to object to the gathered materials. Only whe that is done will the judge decide what the DA gets to have for his or her case.
If you be been through a custody/support case, you probably know "masters" all too well.
I'm sure PC Mag meant a third party within the judicial system, but some may be scratching their heads as to why thar happened.
Disclaimer: I may not be 100% accurate as I a, not a lawyer and only going on what I know or experienced firt-hand