Gomex v. Superior Court (Felker), 54 Cal.4th 293, 278 P.3d 1168 (Jun. 18, 2012) (Code of Civil Procedure 259(a) authorizes commissioners to hear and determine ex parte motions for orders and alternative writs and writs of habeas corpus, and commissioners have authority summarily to deny a petition for writ of mandamus or habeas corpus, at least when the petition seeks to enforce a prisoner's rights while in confinement -- but does not seek to collaterally attack the criminal conviction that provides the basis for that confinement " as a subordinate judicial duty properly undertaken by a commissioner within the meaning of article VI, 22 of the California Constitution).