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

A jury trial and a bench trial are two different types of court proceedings in Maryland. A jury trial occurs when a case is heard by a group of people selected from the community to form a jury. This jury will be responsible for determining the outcome of the case by listening to the arguments of both parties and deciding if one side is more convincing than the other. A bench trial, on the other hand, is a court trial presided over by a judge. The judge is responsible for deciding the outcome of the case by listening to the arguments of both sides and determining which one is more credible. The major difference between a jury trial and a bench trial is the decision-maker. In a jury trial, the decision is made by a jury, whereas in a bench trial, it is made by a judge. This often leads to different outcomes, as jurors may be more lenient or harsher depending on the evidence or other factors. Additionally, jury trials also require a longer process, as jurors must come to a consensus before making their decision. In Maryland, many criminal cases are decided by a jury trial. However, if a judge feels that a bench trial would be more beneficial, they can opt to hold one. This decision is usually made after the judge considers the specific facts of the case, the wishes of both parties, and other factors.

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