Opinion ID: 1368892
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Did the trial court err in initiating ex parte contactduring trial regarding an issue in the case?

Text: During the trial, a question arose among the parties regarding a stipulation made by several of the defendants in an earlier civil trial involving a different plaintiff. The next day, the trial judge informed the parties he had called the attorney who had represented that plaintiff to obtain an answer to the dispute. The defendants argue it was error for the judge to engage in this ex parte contact. [6] While we strongly disapprove of the action of the trial judge, the defendants have not asserted any prejudice resulting from the action. Absent a showing of prejudice to the outcome of the trial, an error does not constitute grounds for reversal. Brown v. Spokane Cy. Fire Protec. Dist. 1, 100 Wn.2d 188, 196, 668 P.2d 571 (1983); 14 L. Orland & K. Tegland, Wash. Prac., Trial Practice § 220 (4th ed. 1986). The defendants have not contested the accuracy of the information or the use of it at trial; we find no error.