(a) Calling by Court. After giving the parties a reasonable opportunity to object outside the presence of the jury, the court, where justice so requires, may call persons as court witnesses on its own initiative or on the request of a party. All parties are entitled to cross-examine witnesses called by the court.

(b) Interrogation by Court. The court may interrogate any witness. In jury trials the court's questioning must be cautiously guarded so as not to comment on the evidence or convey the court's opinion of the witness's credibility.

Cross reference: Rules 2-514 and 5-706.

Source: This Rule is derived from F.R.Ev. 614.