Stamping the judge's signature in the docket because the judge only comes in once a month and doesn't have time to sign the docket is proper or improper?

• A. Proper
• B. Not specified
• C. Improper
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that docket entries must be authenticated by the judge’s own signature or by an approved, authorizing mechanism. A signature stamp is not a substitute for the judge’s personal signature unless the judge has specifically authorized the clerk to use it for certain entries. Without that explicit authorization, stamping the judge’s signature misrepresents the judge’s personal review and approval of the entry. It bypasses the judge’s direct involvement and can undermine the integrity of the court record.

If a court does have a proper procedure, it would involve a documented delegation or timely, formal authorization for use of any signature device, so the record clearly shows who approved the entry. Absent such a policy, stamping the signature is improper because the docket would reflect the judge’s act without the judge actually performing it.