Judge uses law on his own

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Question

Country: United States of America
State: Michigan

Small claims matter in Montcalm county Michigan. I sued a retailer. In small claims they can't be represented by an attorney. The judge got off the ench went to his chambers and found a law that gave them the profit end of the deal. They didn't present it the judge went and got it for them. Can he do this? Seems to be bias and ethically wrong for the judge to do the homework for them.

Answer

If he knows of the law he can apply it--it is sometimes close to the line however and he cannot go off and research evidence...they have to be carefulappearing to be an advocate for one side...