N.Y. C.P.L.R. 4301

§ 4301. Powers of referee to determine. A referee to determine an\nissue or to perform an act shall have all the powers of a court in\nperforming a like function; but he shall have no power to relieve\nhimself of his duties, to appoint a successor or to adjudge any person\nexcept a witness before him guilty of contempt. For the purposes of this\narticle, the term referee shall be deemed to include judicial hearing\nofficer.\n