In most cases, you have the right to a trial by jury, but this is not a requirement. In a criminal case, if the defendant opts to have a bench trial, there will be no jury. In a civil case, if neither party requests a jury, it will be a bench trial.
The judge at Jurgis' trial was Judge Pat Callahan.
The trial Judge.
A "bench trial" is a trial before a judge sitting without a jury. The judge alone decides the case.
Bench trial
A trial to a judge sitting without a jury is called a "bench trial."
The role of a judge in a jury trial is to see if the suspect get to life or die
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.
A trial before a judge is typically called a "bench trial." In a bench trial, the judge serves as the fact-finder and makes rulings on the law, without a jury present. This type of trial is common in civil cases and some criminal cases, where the parties may choose to waive their right to a jury trial. The judge's decision in a bench trial is final, subject to appeal.
A "bench trial" is a case heard by a judge without a jury. In a jury case, the jury decides the facts of the case -- what is true and not true -- and the judge decides the law. In a bench trial, the judge determines the facts and the law.
The judge.
Bench Trial
Bench Trial