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

A bench trial and a jury trial are two different forms of adjudication in the criminal justice system in Virginia. In a bench trial, the judge decides the verdict based on evidence presented in the court. The judge’s decision is the final word on the case – no one is allowed to appeal the decision. Additionally, there is no jury in a bench trial; the judge examines the evidence alone and decides the results based on the law and the facts of the case. In a jury trial, on the other hand, evidence and testimony are presented to a panel of jurors who weigh that evidence and determine a verdict. Jurors are carefully selected to represent various backgrounds and experiences, and they are allowed to consider the credibility of witnesses and the adequacy of evidence in determining the final verdict. As with a bench trial, the jury’s decision is the final say on the case and cannot be overturned. In Virginia, it is up to the defendant to decide whether they would like to elect a bench trial or a jury trial. The defendant is allowed to choose either the bench trial or a jury trial, depending on the type of case and their own preferences. In some cases, a defendant will choose a bench trial because the judge is perceived to be more knowledgeable about the case and have more experience in working with similar cases. In other cases, a defendant may choose a jury trial due to a personal preference or feeling that the jury may more accurately understand the surrounding circumstances of the case.

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

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