Legal Dictionary
Bench Trial
Definition
A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.
Deep Dive
A bench trial is a legal proceeding conducted without a jury, where a judge (or a panel of judges) serves as the sole "fact-finder" in addition to interpreting the law. In this format, the judge hears all the evidence, listens to witness testimonies, assesses the credibility of witnesses, and ultimately renders a verdict or decision in the case. Following the presentation of arguments by both sides, the judge will issue findings of fact and conclusions of law to support their judgment.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A complex patent infringement case where the technical details are better suited for a judge's detailed analysis than a jury's general understanding.
- 2A divorce proceeding where the judge makes all decisions regarding property division, child custody, and support.
- 3A defendant in a misdemeanor criminal case waives their right to a jury, preferring a faster resolution by a judge to avoid the protracted jury selection process.
Related Terms
Jury TrialFact-finderVerdict