What is the role of a judge in a civil case?

In Massachusetts, a judge plays a vital role in a civil case. The judge is in charge of the entire process and is responsible for making sure the proceedings are fair and just for both parties. The judge will review the facts of the case and make a decision based on the applicable law. The judge will provide direction to the attorneys on the rules of evidence that govern the case. Additionally, the judge will preside over the hearings and trials and render a verdict or make decisions on motions throughout the process. The judge may also make decisions on the types of relief available to the plaintiff, such as compensatory or punitive damages. The judge also has the authority to compel the parties in the case to comply with discovery requests during the pre-trial phase. This means that the parties must produce evidence, documents, or testify to certain facts or issues. If a party refuses to comply with discovery, the judge can issue sanctions. Finally, the judge is responsible for ensuring that the rules of civil procedure are followed during the trial and making any rulings necessary to ensure that the trial is conducted fairly. This includes ruling on objections and objections to evidence presented by either side. Ultimately, the judge’s main goal in a civil case is to ensure that both parties receive a fair and impartial decision.

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