diff --git a/utils/magic.h b/utils/magic.h
index b4aa6f46..9a2a2428 100644
--- a/utils/magic.h
+++ b/utils/magic.h
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@
 #include <zlib.h>
 #endif
 
+#include "utils/magic_assert.h"
+
 /* ------------------- Universal pointer typecast --------------------- */
 
 /* Set default value for backwards compatibility with non-autoconf make */
@@ -123,13 +125,6 @@ extern char *SysLibPath;	/* Path for finding system
 				 * files like color maps, styles, etc.
 				 */
 
-/* --------------------- Debugging and assertions --------------------- */
-
-/* To enable assertions, undefine NDEBUG in file defs.mak */
-
-#include <assert.h>
-#define	ASSERT(p, where) assert(p)	/* "where" is ignored */
-
 /* ------------------------ Malloc/free ------------------------------- */
 
 /*
diff --git a/utils/magic_assert.h b/utils/magic_assert.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7e3de5ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/utils/magic_assert.h
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+/*
+ * magic_assert.h --
+ *
+ * Debugging and assertions definitions for all MAGIC modules
+ *
+ *     *********************************************************************
+ *     * Copyright (C) 2017, 2024 Regents of the University of California. *
+ *     * Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this              *
+ *     * software and its documentation for any purpose and without        *
+ *     * fee is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright          *
+ *     * notice appear in all copies.  The University of California        *
+ *     * makes no representations about the suitability of this            *
+ *     * software for any purpose.  It is provided "as is" without         *
+ *     * express or implied warranty.  Export of this software outside     *
+ *     * of the United States of America may require an export license.    *
+ *     *********************************************************************
+ *
+ * rcsid="$Header"
+ */
+
+#ifndef _MAGIC_ASSERT_H
+#define _MAGIC_ASSERT_H
+
+
+/* --------------------- Debugging and assertions --------------------- */
+
+/* To enable assertions, undefine NDEBUG in file defs.mak */
+
+#include <assert.h>
+#define	ASSERT(p, where) assert(p)	/* "where" is ignored */
+
+
+#endif /* _MAGIC_ASSERT_H */