What is a bench trial?

A bench trial is defined as a trial conducted without a jury. In this type of trial, the judge serves as the fact-finder, making all determinations about the evidence presented and ultimately deciding the outcome of the case. This can occur in both civil and criminal cases, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case.

In a bench trial, the judge evaluates the credibility of witnesses and the relevance of evidence, similar to how a jury would in a jury trial, but the absence of a jury allows for potentially quicker resolution of cases. Additionally, bench trials may be preferred in situations where legal complexities are involved or when the parties involved desire a more expert evaluation of the issues at hand.

This distinction emphasizes the role of the judge as both the arbiter of law and the finder of fact, which contrasts with trials involving juries, where jurors take on the role of fact-finders and the judge primarily oversees legal proceedings.