Opinion ID: 27032
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Proper Role of the Trial Court

Text: 11 At the outset, we note that the district court has misconstrued its proper role in conducting the penalty trial by overstating the parameters within which a judge can question witnesses. Rule 614(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence permits judges to question witnesses. A trial judge's questioning of witnesses is permissible if aimed at clarifying the evidence or managing the trial. United States v. Williams, 809 F.2d 1072, 1087 (5th Cir. 1987). 12 A judge's questioning, however, should never evince or appear to evince partiality to one side over the other. See U.S. v. Reyes, 227 F.3d 263, 265 (5th Cir. 2000) ([t]he primary limitation on this judicial investigatory power is that it must be undertaken for the purposes of benefitting the jury in its understanding of the evidence, and the court may not appear to be partial); U.S. v. Martin, 189 F.3d 547, 553 (7th Cir.1999) (a judge's discretion to question witnesses is not unfettered. A judge cannot assume the role of an advocate for either side.); United States v. Tilghman, 134 F.3d 414, 416 (D.C.Cir.1998) (noting that trial judges must strive to preserve an appearance of impartiality and must err on the side of abstention from intervention). For example, a judge should not ask questions which indicate his belief or disbelief of witnesses. United States v. Wyatt, 442 F.2d 858, 859-61 (D.C.Cir.1971). 13 In our July 17, 2001 opinion, we noted that the district court may interpose questions to witnesses during the penalty trial. The district court construed this statement as an invitation to elicit evidence that might otherwise not be presented. The district court further implied that it has the right to elicit evidence from witnesses in a manner similar to that of an independent counsel. 14 We disagree with the district court's understanding of our previous statement. The district court shall not interpose questions to witnesses during the penalty trial which demonstrate partiality to one side or one position. The district court's role in the penalty trial shall be one of judge, not advocate. 15