Stamping the judge's signature in the docket because the judge only comes in once a month and doesn't have time to sign the docket.

• A. Neither
• B. Proper
• C. Improper
• D. Both

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a judge’s signature is a formal endorsement that must come from the judge or through a legally authorized process. The docket is the official record of what happened in court, and it should reflect who approved or ordered actions. Stamping the judge’s signature on the docket simply because the judge isn’t available misrepresents the judge’s personal endorsement and bypasses the proper signing procedure. Unless there is a clear, authorized policy that designates a specific, formal delegation for stamping in this situation, using a stamp to mimic the judge’s signature undermines accountability and court rules. That makes the action improper. In other words, there isn’t a scenario here where stamping without proper authorization would be appropriate, so it isn’t a proper or acceptable practice.