In a bench trial, who serves as the arbiter of fact and law?

In a bench trial, the trial judge serves as the arbiter of both fact and law. This means that the judge is responsible for evaluating the evidence presented and making determinations about the facts of the case, as well as applying the relevant laws to those facts. Unlike in a jury trial, where a group of jurors hears the evidence and renders a verdict, the bench trial streamlines the process by eliminating the need for a jury, placing full decision-making authority in the hands of the judge.

The judge assesses the credibility of witnesses, interprets evidence, and makes rulings on legal issues that arise during the trial. This approach allows for a quicker resolution of cases, particularly in situations where the legal issues may be complex or where the parties seek a more straightforward adjudication without the formality of jury deliberations. The presence of a single judge to render both the factual and legal judgments can lead to a more efficient trial process and is often preferred in cases where specialized knowledge or experience is beneficial.