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

A bench trial and a jury trial both involve criminal procedures in Massachusetts and involve a judge deciding the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The main difference between a bench trial and a jury trial is who is making the decision of guilt or innocence. In a bench trial, the judge is the one who hears the evidence and makes the final decision. In a jury trial, the jury is the one who hears the evidence and makes the decision. In a bench trial, a judge will typically hear both sides of the case and ask questions of witnesses. The judge then evaluates the evidence and makes the judgment. This is beneficial when the facts of the case are not in dispute or when the trial involves technical legal issues. In a jury trial, a jury of twelve citizens hears the evidence and makes the decision. The jury does not always have to reach a unanimous decision to convict or acquit, but the majority of jurors must agree before an outcome can be reached. The jury can also ask questions of the witnesses, which the judge can direct. The decision-making process is different in a jury trial than in a bench trial. In a jury trial, the jury must come to a conclusion based on their collective view of the facts, while in a bench trial, the judge rules based on their own opinion. Ultimately, the decision in both cases is up to the judge or jury.

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

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