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

In Maryland, a bench trial and a jury trial are two different types of proceedings that can be used when a defendant is facing criminal charges. A bench trial, also known as a court trial, is conducted in front of a judge and no jury is present. The judge hears all of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The judge then makes a decision based on the evidence presented. A jury trial is conducted with a panel of jurors. The jurors are selected by both the prosecution and defense. The jurors then listen to all the evidence presented by both sides and decide on a verdict based on a majority vote. The main difference between a bench trial and a jury trial is in who makes the final decision. In a bench trial, the judge makes the decision. In a jury trial, the jury decides the outcome. Jury trials also allow for more input from the public, as jurors are selected from the community. This potentially allows for a more balanced outcome. Ultimately, the choice of a bench trial or jury trial is up to the defendant. The defendant will work with their lawyer to determine which type of trial best suits their needs. This decision can also be decided by the judge or the state.

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

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