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

A jury trial and a bench trial are two different types of proceedings that can occur in a court of law. In a jury trial, a jury of citizens will listen to the evidence presented by both sides and then decide a verdict based on the facts presented. In a bench trial, only a judge hears the evidence and makes the ruling. In Virginia, jury trials are most often seen in criminal cases, while bench trials are more commonly seen in civil cases. Generally, both sides in a trial are allowed to present evidence to the jury or judge, as well as call witnesses to testify. However, in a jury trial, the jury will ultimately decide the verdict, meaning that the judge has no say in the final decision. On the other hand, in a bench trial, the judge alone will make the final ruling after considering the evidence and testimony presented by both sides. A major difference between these two types of proceedings is that jury trials may be longer than bench trials. Jury trials can take days or even weeks due to the fact that the jury must consider the evidence carefully before rendering their verdict. On the other hand, bench trials are usually much shorter since the judge is making the ruling without the need for a jury to deliberate. In general, both jury trials and bench trials can be used to resolve legal disputes. Ultimately, it is up to the judge to decide which type of trial is best suited for a particular case.

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