1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a temporary judge may hear evidence upon and report findings to the judge of the court for each probate, civil, criminal, and other case referred to the temporary judge by that judge. The temporary judge may:

   1. (1) make the final judgment in these cases; and
   2. (2) in a criminal case tried by the court, conduct all sentencing hearings in the case.

2. (b) If a defendant is being tried for a felony, the judge of the court shall conduct all sentencing hearings and make the final judgment in the case.

   [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-13-16-3.]

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