Can a judge participate in the questioning of witnesses at trial?

It is not inappropriate for a judge to participate in the questioning of witnesses at trial; indeed, judicial guidance is often called for in conducting an orderly trial and clarifying the evidence presented. Mostella, 802 F.2d at 361; United States v. Slone, 833 F.2d 595, 597 (6th Cir.1987). The district judge's questions here were entirely proper. Moreover, any potential prejudice would have been cured when the judge instructed the jury that they should not be swayed by any comments he may have made. The jury was able to "freely perform its function of independent fact finder." United States v. Hickman, 592 F.2d 931, 936 (6th Cir.1979).