Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 12-614: Trial before referee - Report

A trial before referees is conducted in the same manner as a

trial by the court. They have the same power as the court to summon

and enforce the attendance of witnesses, to administer all necessary

oaths in the trial of the case, and to grant adjournments, upon such

trial. They must state the facts found and the conclusions of law

separately, and their decisions must be given, and may be excepted

to and reviewed in like manner. The report of the referees upon the

whole issue stands as the decision of the court, and judgment may be

entered thereon in the same manner as if the action had been tried

by the court. When the referee is to report the facts, the report

has the effect of a special verdict.