District Court Rule Civil Rule 16
(a) Every small claims action shall be tried by the court without a jury. A judge may not bel peremptorily challenged either under Civil Rule 42(c) or AS 22.20.022.
(b) The court shall admit any evidence which is relevant and material, despite the fact that such evidence might be inadmissible under formal rules of evidence
(c) The court may investigate the controversy between the parties either in or out of court. The investigation must be stated on the record or reduced to writing and placed in the case file by the court.
(d) Testimony shall be given under oath and may be given in narrative fashion, and the examination of witnesses shall be informal. An adverse party has the right to cross-examine a party or witness. The court may take an active role in the examination of witnesses.
(e) The court may, at any time, consult with the parties on the record for the purpose of reaching a compromise or concilliation.
(f) The date set for trial shall be not less than 15 days from the date the court mails notice of the trial date to the parties.
