Rule 27.06 Misdemeanors or Felonies - Comment by Court on Evidence Prohibited

When a criminal case goes to trial, the judge has to stay neutral about the evidence in front of the jury. The judge cannot summarize what the evidence showed or give any personal opinion about it while the jury is listening.

This rule exists to make sure the jury decides the case on its own. Jurors are supposed to weigh the evidence themselves without the judge nudging them toward one conclusion or another. If the judge started commenting on the evidence, it could make jurors think the judge favors one side, which would not be fair to the defendant or the state.

This applies to both misdemeanor and felony trials. The rule does not stop the judge from making other necessary comments during trial, like ruling on objections or giving instructions. It specifically bans the judge from summarizing or reacting to what the evidence proves or doesn't prove while the jury can hear it.