A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to change the types of hearings which a magistrate may conduct, and to change the jurisdiction for the consideration of, and the standards for the granting of, writs of habeas corpus by Federal courts upon the application of persons in custody pursuant to judgements of State courts.

Requires written consent of the parties before Federal magistrates may conduct evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus proceedings attacking State custody of petitioners under State court judgments.

Limits the circumstances under which Federal courts may consider petitions for habeas corpus in State court cases.

Creates a three-year statute of limitations for filing habeas corpus petitions.

Revises standards governing Federal court review of State court judgments.