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

A jury trial and a bench trial are two very different types of proceedings at court. A jury trial is when the outcome of the case is determined by a group of citizens. This group is typically composed of 6 to 12 people. The aim of a jury trial is to allow a group of individuals who are representative of the population to deliberate and come to a verdict. Generally, a unanimous vote is required in order for the verdict to be accepted. A bench trial is where the judge is solely responsible for determining the outcome of the case. This type of trial focuses on the law and evidence presented in the courtroom. The judge will make a decision based on the facts of the case. Thus, the bench trial is seen as the more technical of the two, as the judge is examining the evidence and applying the law. Overall, the main difference between a jury trial and a bench trial is that in a jury trial, the decision is made by a group of jurors, while in a bench trial, the decision is made solely by a judge. In North Carolina, both jury and bench trials are options available to citizens. It is ultimately up to the defendant to decide which type of trial they prefer.

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

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