§ 2614 Calling and interrogation of witnesses by court.

Judges have the power to call their own witnesses during a trial, even if neither side asked for that person to testify. If the judge does this, both sides still get the chance to cross-examine that witness, just like they would with any other witness.

The judge can also ask questions directly to any witness on the stand. This applies whether the witness was called by the judge or by one of the parties in the case.

If a lawyer disagrees with the judge calling or questioning a witness, they can object. They can raise this objection right when it happens, or they can wait and bring it up later when the jury has left the room. This gives lawyers a fair chance to protect their client's interests without having to argue about it in front of the jury.