Bench Trial

Also known as: Judge Trial

In one sentence

A trial where a judge, not a jury, decides guilt or innocence.

Plain English

In a bench trial, the defendant waives the right to a jury and lets the judge alone determine whether they're guilty or not guilty. The judge hears all the evidence, listens to witness testimony, and applies the law to reach a verdict. Bench trials are often faster and simpler than jury trials and are common in less serious cases.

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Example

Tom was charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation. Rather than wait for a jury trial, he requested a bench trial. The judge heard testimony from the officer and Tom, reviewed the evidence, and issued a guilty verdict on the spot.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant chose a bench trial because she believed the judge would better understand the technical evidence.”

Related terms

Evidence

Information, documents, or physical items presented in court to prove or disprove facts.

appeal

A request to a higher court to review and overturn a lower court's decision.

Actus Reus

The guilty act or physical conduct that constitutes the crime itself.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.