Trial By Private Judge/Authority

Effective March 1, 1997 (A) All trials conducted by a private judge shall be conducted without a jury. The trial shall be open to the public, unless otherwise provided by Supreme Court rule or statute. (B) A person who serves as a private judge has, for each case heard, the same powers as the judge of a circuit court in relation to court procedures, in deciding the outcome of the case, in mandating the attendance of witnesses, in the punishment of contempt, in the enforcement of orders, in administering oaths, and in giving of all necessary certificates for the authentication of the record and proceedings.