In jurisdiction questions, is it permissible for a judge to speak with a citizen to determine whether the case should be filed in municipal court?

• A. Yes, the judge may speak to determine jurisdiction.
• B. No, the judge must not speak.
• C. Only if the citizen is represented by counsel.
• D. Only in open court.

Answer: (A)

When deciding where a case should be filed, gathering the right facts to determine jurisdiction is essential. A judge may speak with a citizen to obtain information about the offense, its location, and other details that help determine whether municipal court is the proper forum. This informal inquiry is about routing the case correctly, not about deciding guilt or discussing merits, and it can occur before formal proceedings.

So, asking questions to the citizen to clarify jurisdictional questions is permissible because it helps ensure the case goes to the correct court, and it isn’t confined to an open-court hearing or require representation at that moment.