The court may, on its own motion or at the suggestion of a party, call witnesses, and all parties are entitled to cross-examine witnesses thus called. The court may interrogate witnesses, whether they were called by the court or by a party. Objections to the calling of witnesses by the court or to interrogation by it may be made at the time or at the next available opportunity when the jury is not present. Calling by Court.
Any party can cross-examine any witness called by the judge.
Preexisting Alabama law has allowed the trial judge to call witnesses. In calling witnesses, the trial judge is not to show partiality or to indicate an opinion as to the just outcome of the case. Interrogation by Court. The trial court may question witnesses, whether they have been called by the court or by one of the parties. This rule is adopted without substantial change from Fed.