§ 615.Appointment of Referee

Chapter 11: Trial · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026

In one sentenceSection 615 lets parties agree on one to three referees, except when an infant is a party, and directs the court to appoint one or more referees free from exception if the parties can't agree.

Full Text of § 615

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In all cases of reference, the parties, except when an infant may be a party, may agree upon a suitable person or persons, not exceeding three, and the reference shall be ordered accordingly; and if the parties do not agree, the court shall appoint one or more referees, not exceeding three, who shall be free from exception.

Amendment History

R.L. 1910, § 5021.

Plain-English Summary

Choosing a referee starts with the parties. Section 615 lets them agree on a suitable person, or up to three, except in cases where an infant is a party. Agree, and the court orders the reference accordingly.

Fail to agree, and the choice shifts to the court, which appoints one or more referees itself, capped at three, and each of them must be free from exception, meaning free of any disqualifying bias or interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the parties pick their own referee?

Yes, they may agree on a suitable person, or as many as three, and the court will order the reference accordingly.

What happens if the parties can't agree on a referee?

The court appoints one or more referees itself, up to three, each of whom must be free from exception.

How many referees can be appointed?

Not more than three, whether chosen by the parties or appointed by the court.

Is there an exception to letting parties choose their own referee?

Yes, the section withholds that party choice when an infant is a party to the case.

Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature. Last verified August 3, 2026. · Official source

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