Some judges will use this tactic to encourage a plea deal instead of a trial. Judges have a lot of power. You know who's boss in the courtroom, and it's the judge. Everybody treats them with that modicum of respect. Even though they can't be involved in negotiations, they can telegraphing what they're going to do in a certain case. It encourages the defense attorney and the prosecutor to come together on an agreement because most cases will resolve without a jury trial, and the judge is basically feeling the parties out to find out why we're trial with this case. That's the way judges can influence the negotiations without being part of the negotiation.