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'''Bifurcated trial''' is a [[trial]] which will take place in two separate phases, dependent on the outcome of the first portion.

A '''bifurcated trial''' is a [[trial]] which will take place in two separate phases, dependent on the outcome of the first portion.

In a civil matter, the first portion determines whether a defendant is [[liability|liable]] issue in a matter which can involve contract or tort issues.<ref>http://www.nycourts.gov/lawlibraries/glossary.shtml</ref>  If the defendant is found liable, the trial proceeds to the second phase where damages are determined.

In a civil matter, the first portion determines whether a defendant is [[liability|liable]] issue in a matter which can involve contract or tort issues.<ref>http://www.nycourts.gov/lawlibraries/glossary.shtml</ref>  If the defendant is found liable, the trial proceeds to the second phase where damages are determined.

In a criminal matter, the first portion determines the defendant's guilt or innocence.  If found guilty, the second phase determines punishment.  These are most common in felony cases, especially when [[capital punishment]] is a potential sentence.

In a criminal matter, the first portion determines the defendant's guilt or innocence.  If found guilty, the second phase determines punishment.  These are most common in felony cases, especially when [[capital punishment]] is a potential sentence.  Misdemeanor cases usually proceed in one phase, where both guilt/innocence and punishment (if found guilty) are determined at the same time.

==References==

==References==