1. (a) A trial conducted by a private judge shall be conducted without a jury.

2. (b) A person who serves as a private judge has, for each case the private judge hears, the same powers as the judge of a circuit court in relation to:

   1. (1) court procedure;
   2. (2) deciding the outcome of the case;
   3. (3) attendance of witnesses;
   4. (4) punishment of contempts;
   5. (5) enforcement of orders;
   6. (6) administering oaths; and
   7. (7) giving all necessary certificates for the authentication of the records and proceedings.

3. (c) All proceedings in an action heard by a private judge are of record and must be:

   1. (1) filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county of proper venue under the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure; and
   2. (2) made available to the public in the same manner as circuit court records.

4. (d) The Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure apply for all actions brought before a private judge. An appeal from an action or a judgment of a private judge may be taken in the same manner as an appeal from the circuit court of the county where the case is filed.

   [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-13-15-4.]

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.17.