What is a "general" reference and a "special" reference?

The authorizing statutes are contained in the Code of Civil Procedure.⁵ "A 'general' reference is conducted pursuant to section 638, subdivision [(a)]: the referee is empowered to make a conclusive determination without further action by the court." (Ruisi v. Thieriot (1997) 53 Cal.App.4th 1197, 1208.) "A 'special' reference is one conducted pursuant to section 639 or subdivision [(b)] of section 638, in which the referee makes advisory findings which do not become binding unless adopted by the court." (Ibid.)

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