Changes

'''Bench trial''', also known as a [[court]] [[trial]], is a trial without a [[jury]] in which a [[judge]] decides the facts.

A '''bench trial''' is a trial without a [[jury]] in which a [[judge]] decides the facts and potential punishment.

In a criminal trial a defendant must be allowed a jury trial if requested.  However, a defendant may waive a jury trial right but such waiver must be made openly.  An example of such was in several 2016 trials involving [[Baltimore]] police officers charged with the murder of a suspect in custody, due to the racial tensions involved none of the officers believed that a fair trial by jury was possible and all requested bench trials; all the officers were subsequently acquitted.

In a criminal trial, a defendant has an absolute right to have a jury decide whether s/he is guilty and any punishment.  A defendant may waive his/her right to a jury trial, but such waiver must be made in open court.  An example of such was in several 2016 trials involving [[Baltimore]] police officers charged with the murder of a suspect in custody, due to the racial tensions involved none of the officers believed that a fair trial by jury was possible and all requested bench trials; all the officers were subsequently acquitted.

 

In a civil trial, if either party wishes a jury to hear the case, a fee must often be paid.

[[Category:Legal Terms]]

[[Category:Legal Terms]]