What is the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial?

The two most common types of trials are jury trials and bench trials. Jury trials involve a panel of jurors while bench trials involve a judge alone. In California, a jury trial is the default option and must be requested by the defendant to pursue a bench trial. Jury Trials involve a panel of jurors, typically twelve people, who are tasked with hearing the proceedings and delivering a verdict. The jury is chosen from members of the community who are randomly selected and called to serve. Jurors will listen to the facts and evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense and will reach a verdict based on a majority opinion. Bench trials, on the other hand, involve a judge presiding over the proceedings. The judge is the one responsible for listening to the facts and evidence presented and for rendering a verdict. Unlike jury trials there is no jury to discuss the evidence and reach a verdict. The primary difference between jury trials and bench trials is the presence of a jury. In jury trials, the jury resolves disputes in the courtroom. Bench trials are more straight forward as the judge alone is responsible for resolving the dispute. Ultimately, the decision of which type of trial takes place is one that must be made by the defendant or their attorney.

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What is the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial?

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