Difference between revisions of "Bench trial"
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| − | ''' | + | A '''bench trial''' is a trial without a [[jury]] in which a [[judge]] decides the facts and potential punishment. |
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| + | 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. | ||
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| + | In a civil trial, if either party wishes a jury to hear the case, a fee must often be paid. | ||
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| + | [[Category:Legal Terms]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:35, February 25, 2026
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 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.