Opinion ID: 2039455
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Examination of Dr. Woodley by the court.

Text: After both attorneys had completed their questioning of defendant's medical director, Dr. Woodley, the court questioned him primarily about his failure to consult with Dr. Lerdahl. The questioning was sharp and defense counsel objected. The defendant claims that the trial judge became an advocate to such an extent that a new trial is required. The only case cited by defendant in support of this position is Reserve Mining Co. v. Lord, 529 F.2d 181 (8 Cir. 1976). The kind and extent of the claimed advocacy in Reserve was so different from the trial court's questioning in the present case that no extended discussion is necessary. It is within the discretion of the trial court to question a witness called by a party. State v. Sandquist, 146 Minn. 322, 178 N.W. 883 (1920). See, also, Taylor v. Taylor, 177 Minn. 428, 225 N.W. 287 (1929). [8] In the present case, the trial judge waited for the parties to complete their examination. See, Taylor v. Taylor, supra . His questions were sharp and argumentative, but counsel for plaintiff had partially covered the same ground. The trial court's findings would have been supportable, even without the testimony elicited. The questioning was not so strong as to indicate bias or prejudice. In light of the fact that this was a court trial and the court had the duty to make a decision in the case, there was no abuse of discretion. Trials, after all, are not simply courtroom dramas but a search for justice. If a trial court is doubtful about the testimony of any witness in a court trial, he may have not only the right but the duty to interrogate a witness. Affirmed.