In re J.R.

Summary

The Court held that respondent's due process right to an impartial tribunal was not violated when the trial court proceeded without the State's attorney, called the petitioning facility's witness, and asked questions that elicited evidence supporting involuntary commitment. A judge may ask questions and develop relevant testimony without becoming an advocate, so long as the judge remains an independent decisionmaker and does not investigate, accuse, or advocate for a particular outcome. The Court affirmed the Court of Appeals and the thirty-day commitment order.