The Court shall have authority in any case pending in the Superior Court to appoint a Master pro hac vice in such case. The appointment of a Master shall be complete and effective when an order for the same is signed by the Court. Any Master may be removed at the pleasure of the Court.
Rule 113.Appointment; removal
Part XIV: Masters · Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 113 gives Superior Court authority to appoint a Master pro hac vice in any pending case, makes that appointment effective once the Court signs an order, and lets the Court remove any Master at its pleasure.
Full Text of Rule 113
Amendment History
Added, effective Jan. 1, 1988.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 113 opens Part XIV, the set of rules governing Masters, with the appointment power itself. The Court can appoint a Master pro hac vice, meaning for that particular case, in any case pending in Superior Court. The appointment isn't complete until a court order to that effect is signed; nothing else makes it effective.
Removal is just as direct. The Court may remove any Master at its pleasure, without any cause requirement stated in the rule. That combination, appointment tied to a single case and removal available at will, frames every rule that follows in Part XIV: a Master's authority, however broad in practice, exists entirely at the Court's discretion and for the matter at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master pro hac vice under Delaware's Superior Court rules?
Rule 113 describes an appointment made for a particular pending case, not a standing or permanent office.
How is a Master officially appointed?
By a signed court order. Rule 113 states the appointment is complete and effective when that order is signed.
Can a Master be removed after being appointed?
Yes. Rule 113 lets the Court remove a Master at its pleasure.
Does removing a Master require a showing of cause?
No. The rule doesn't condition removal on any cause requirement.
Does a Master's appointment carry over to other cases?
No. The appointment is pro hac vice, for the particular case in which the Master was appointed.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
Delaware Rules of Civil Procedure for the Superior Court, adopted by the
Superior Court of the State of Delaware. Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
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