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 in the court system of Washington. In a jury trial, the jury is composed of a group of 12 citizens who are chosen to serve as impartial decision makers. The jury is presented with all of the evidence presented during the trial by both the prosecutors and the defense. Once the jury has heard all of the evidence, they deliberate and decide a verdict. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the judge determines the appropriate sentence. A bench trial, on the other hand, allows the judge alone to hear the case. The judge evaluates all of the evidence and then renders a verdict. The judge also arrives at the sentencing in a bench trial. A bench trial is generally recommended in more complex cases and gives the judge a better understanding of the facts in the case. In conclusion, jury trials and bench trials are two very different proceedings in the court system of Washington. Jury trials involve a group of citizens who are presented with all of the evidence presented during the trial and then deliberate to arrive at a verdict. Bench trials, on the other hand, allow the judge to evaluate all of the evidence presented and then render a verdict as well as the sentence.

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