What is the difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law?

A trial and a bench trial are both types of hearings used in criminal defense law in Kansas. The primary difference between the two is that a trial is heard by a jury of peers, while a bench trial is heard by a judge only. A trial is the formal process in which evidence is presented in the courtroom in order to prove that a criminal defendant is guilty or not guilty. During a trial, witnesses give testimony and the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the criminal defendant. The jury must decide whether the evidence presented is enough to convince them that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A bench trial is a hearing that is only heard by the judge presiding over the case. During a bench trial, the judge will weigh the evidence presented in the trial and will make a determination on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The judge will also be responsible for determining the sentence for the defendant if he or she is found guilty. The judge’s decision is final and cannot be changed or appealed. In criminal defense law in Kansas, a trial and a bench trial are both hearings that can be used to determine the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant. The main difference between the two is that a trial is heard by a jury of peers, while a bench trial is heard by a judge only.

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What is the difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law?

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