Bench Trial
A defendant can request to be tried by the judge alone. He cannot be forced to do this by any governmental power. It is solely the choice of the defendant.
The judge's function in a trial by jury, is to rule on matters of law and evidence and ensure the trial is conducted properly in accordance with applicable law. But, it is the jury's verdict which IS the final decision. Depending upon the type of trial the judge MAY have some leeway in in sentencing or levying a punishment or fine.
A trial that has no jury is called a bench trial. A defendant may choose to waive his right to a jury trial and have his case heard and decided by a judge only. See the link below for a simple description of this type of trial.
Bench Trial
If one is on trial for a criminal offense, they are entitled to a trial by jury, but can waive this and be tried just by a judge.
It refers to the members (whatever their number) selected and seated (empanelled) to hear a specific case. The type of trial is called a trial by jury and the other is a trial by judge.
The judge's function in a trial by jury, is to rule on matters of law and evidence and ensure the trial is conducted properly in accordance with applicable law. But, it is the jury's verdict which IS the final decision. Depending upon the type of trial the judge MAY have some leeway in in sentencing or levying a punishment or fine.
The presiding judicial officer or the jury - depending on the type of trial being conducted.
It depends on the type of case and the type of hearing the defendant fails to appear for.
Depending on the type of trial you were involved in it could be the Judge or it could be the Jury that finds you not guilty.
The job of the court reporter is to take down word-for-word (either by stenograph machine or recording) ALL spoken exchanges, regardless of who makes them, that occur while the court is in session, including 'bench conferences' conducted out of the hearing of the jury and defendant. This also applies to 'in chambers' conferences conducted solely between the judges and opposing counsels, IF the chambers conference is germaine to the case at trial.
In a bench trial, a judge serves as the sole decision-maker, evaluating the evidence and determining the verdict without a jury. This type of trial is often preferred for its efficiency and the judge's expertise in legal matters. The judge not only rules on the admissibility of evidence but also interprets the law and applies it to the facts of the case. Bench trials are common in civil cases and some criminal cases where the parties waive their right to a jury trial.