Can I just ask the judge a quick question about my case?

No. Our court system is designed to be an adversarial system. This permits each party to present their side and their evidence to the judge in the presence of each other. This way, each party knows and sees everything the judge hears, sees and considers in order to decide the case.

Rules from the Indiana Supreme Court strictly forbid judges from hearing evidence or talking about a case unless both sides have received a notice to appear in court and are given a chance to present their side of the case. A judge is not allowed to only listen to one side of the case if the other party has not had the chance to be present in court. This would not be fair.


Show All Answers

1. Where can I obtain court forms to file an action?
2. How can I obtain court-appointed counsel?
3. Why can't the judge or court staff or clerks help me with my case?
4. Can I just ask the judge a quick question about my case?
5. If I can't speak to the judge, can I write the judge a letter?