A special master or master in chancery is an individual appointed by the court to assist with some part of a lawsuit, such as discovery—depositions, written questions, and production of documents—and to make recommendations to the judge on how to resolve related disputes. Courts have held that discovery questions that require extensive examination of highly technical and complex documents by a person having both a technical and a legal background may constitute an exceptional condition sufficient to justify the appointment of a master to supervise such discovery.

In Oregon, a special master or master in chancery can be appointed by the court to assist with complex aspects of a lawsuit, particularly during the discovery phase. This includes overseeing depositions, written questions, and the production of documents. The appointment of a special master is typically justified under exceptional conditions, such as when the discovery process involves the examination of highly technical and complex documents that require expertise from someone with both technical and legal knowledge. Oregon Rule of Civil Procedure (ORCP) 53 provides the framework for the appointment, powers, duties, and compensation of special masters. The rule allows a court to appoint a special master when cases are complicated or when it would be impractical for the court to address all issues involved. The special master reports to the judge, offering recommendations on how to resolve disputes, but the final decisions rest with the judge.