(1) If a verdict has been returned or findings of fact and conclusions of law have been filed in a civil case, or a verdict or finding of guilt has been rendered in a criminal case, by a quarterly court, county court, police court, city court, or court of justice of the peace, the district judge may perform all duties in the further disposition of the case. If, however, the judge is satisfied that he cannot perform those duties because he did not preside at the trial or for any other reason, he may in his discretion grant a new trial.

(2) If the judge does not grant a new trial, appeals from judgments entered pursuant to this rule shall be docketed in the circuit court and tried anew according to the applicable rules of civil or criminal procedure in force prior to January 2, 1978.