RULE 1.192 EVIDENCE--REFERENCE

When a court case involves a fact that both sides disagree about, the Oklahoma Supreme Court doesn't always handle the evidence-gathering itself. Instead, the Court can send the matter to a referee, a person appointed to take testimony or review evidence on the Court's behalf.

This process lets the Court get help sorting out disputed facts before making a final decision. The referee gathers information, such as testimony from witnesses, and reports back so the Court has what it needs to rule on the case.

For people involved in a case, this means a referee (not the Supreme Court justices themselves) may be the one asking questions and collecting evidence on factual disputes. The Court decides when this step is needed and how it will work.