who determines the outcome in a bench trial? defense attorney magistrate prosecutor judge

by Dr. Meredith Huels 7 min read

All jurors must unanimously determine the verdict. There are twelve jurors in General Sessions cases and six in Magistrate or Municipal Court cases. Cases are not normally scheduled for trial for several months or more after the initial arrest.

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What does the judge do in a bench trial?

May 17, 2018 · Shape the Judge’s View of Your Case Prior to Trial In a jury trial, the ultimate decision-maker is the jury. Jurors generally have no knowledge of the parties’ pretrial positions, theories or actions. Conversely, in a bench trial, the ultimate decision-maker is the judge.

How does a judge decide a case in court?

Aug 24, 2021 · A 402 Conference is where the prosecutor and the defense attorney obtain the Judge’s opinion on what a fair sentence would be. In addition to the above duties, it is the Judge that decides the law that applies to your case. The Judge also applies the law to the case. Moreover, the Judge determines during a bench trial if a person is guilty or ...

What is it called when a case goes to trial?

Who determines the outcome in a bench trial? the judge At a bench trial, the judge makes the same procedural decisions, hears the evidence, and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. What are the benefits of a bench trial? Bench trials are often: Less time-consuming. Less complex than a jury trial.

Who is the ultimate decision-maker in a bench trial?

Who determines the outcome in a bench trial? Select one: a. prosecutor b. judge c. defense attorney d. magistrate. b. judge. Who has the authority to remove federal judges found to be guilty of "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors?" ... a. judge b. …

Who determines the outcome in a bench trial?

the judgeJury Trials and Bench Trials At a bench trial, the judge rules on the procedural and evidentiary issues and takes on the jury's role as factfinder. The judge will make the rulings, hear the evidence, and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

What happens in a bench trial quizlet?

A bench trial is a trial by judge as opposed to a trial by jury. The term is chiefly used in common law jurisdictions which use both trials by a judge and by a jury, so as to distinguish as to the type of trial.

What are the 5 stages of the criminal justice system?

These five areas are: (1) community and law enforcement, (2) arrest and initial detention including court hearings, (3) jails and specialty courts, (4) reentry, and (5) community corrections.

What does a prosecutor do?

A prosecutor is the government attorney who charges and tries cases against individuals accused of crimes.

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

In a jury trial, a group of twelve people listens to the evidence and renders the verdict; in a bench trial, since there is no jury, the judge has to render the verdict.

What is the Miranda rule quizlet?

Right to remain silent, anything you say can be used against you in the court of law, right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to you prior to any questions at not cost to you.

What determines how a person is processed in the criminal justice system?

Decision making in criminal justice involves more than the learning of rules and the application of them to specific cases. Decisions are based on discretion, that is, the individual exercise of judgment to make choices about alternative courses of action.

What are the 7 stages of a case?

Investigation.Charging.Initial Hearing/Arraignment.Discovery.Plea Bargaining.Preliminary Hearing.Pre-Trial Motions.Trial.More items...

What are 3 major components of the criminal justice system?

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF THE POLICE, THE COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS.

What powers do prosecutors have?

What is a prosecutor? Prosecutors are the government officials charged with investigating and prosecuting crimes. Prosecutors have near-unlimited power to make all the most consequential decisions in a criminal case from beginning to end.

Is a prosecutor higher than a lawyer?

Lawyers are qualified to represent prosecution on behalf of Government but they no way higher than general practitioners.

Why is the prosecutor so important?

Prosecutors are the gatekeepers of the criminal legal system. They decide whether to prosecute and what to charge. Their harsh and discriminatory practices have fueled a vast expansion of incarceration as the answer to societal ills over the last several decades.

What is the role of a prosecutor?

A State’s Attorney is the agency that brings the criminal charges against you. The State is the entity that can decide to file more charges or reduce the charges against you.

What is the job of a judge?

A Judge has several duties. First, he or she is to keep the case moving. He or she makes sure that the two parties (the prosecutor and the defense) do what they are required to do. For example, the Judge makes sure that the prosecutor turns over copies of all of the evidence to the defense. Additionally, the Judge determines if you are going ...

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney is the person that represents you in court. Just as the State of Illinois has an attorney in court trying to put you jail, a defense attorney is your advocate trying to get the case dismissed or to get the best possible disposition for you.

What is a 402 conference?

A 402 Conference is where the prosecutor and the defense attorney obtain the Judge’s opinion on what a fair sentence would be. In addition to the above duties, it is the Judge that decides the law that applies to your case. The Judge also applies the law to the case.

What does the prosecutor do in a bench trial?

As in a jury trial, the prosecutor in a bench trial must present evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime (s) charged. The prosecutor must call witnesses to testify, present any physical evidence such as photographs, clothing, or results of tests like a breath or blood alcohol test in a DUI case, and argue any legal issues. The defense can cross-examine the state's witnesses and argue to the court that the prosecutor should not be able to present certain evidence, if appropriate. The defendant also is entitled to call witnesses, present evidence, and testify on his own behalf. If you are a defendant in a criminal case, an attorney can assist you in deciding whether your testimony can help your case and prepare you for cross-examination by the prosecutor.

What is bench trial?

What is a Bench Trial? In a criminal proceeding in state court, a defendant may face a jury trial or a bench trial. A jury trial is a trial before a jury of 6 or 12 people who, after hearing the evidence and legal arguments, decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him. At a jury trial, the judge must rule on the ...

How long can you go to jail for a jury trial?

A Jury Trial or a Bench Trial? In most states, a defendant is entitled to a jury trial if he faces the possibility of more than six months in jail. If you are charged with simple assault, for instance, and the possible penalty is only 30 days in jail, you would not be entitled to a jury trial.

What is the difference between a judge and a jury?

If information will come out at trial that puts the defendant in a bad light, but which is technically irrelevant to the charge, a judge might be more neutral than a jury and better able to set that aside in deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

What is the value of legal representation?

The Value of Legal Representation. If you are facing criminal charges and need to decide between a bench or jury trial, your best option is to be represented by counsel as early as possible in the criminal process. A local attorney who has experience in the court in which your case is being tried can identify the specific advantages ...

What does a local attorney do?

A local attorney who has experience in the court in which your case is being tried can identify the specific advantages or disadvantages to a bench trial or jury trial in that court, give you meaningful advice about your options, and represent you throughout your entire case.

What is the best way to represent you in a criminal case?

If you are facing criminal charges and need to decide between a bench or jury trial, your best option is to be represented by counsel as early as possible in the criminal process. A local attorney who has experience in the court in which your case is being tried can identify the specific advantages or disadvantages to a bench trial or jury trial in that court, give you meaningful advice about your options, and represent you throughout your entire case.

Why do you choose a bench trial?

There might be other reasons to choose a bench trial, such as: 1 A jury trial is likely to take more time and, most of the time costs more than a bench trial. Your criminal defense attorney will take more time to evaluate the potential jurors and weigh in concerning jury selection. 2 A jury might not understand an extremely complex case. 3 Juries are known to be unpredictable. Jurors may misunderstand the judge’s instructions or fail to comprehend the burden of proof. 4 Jurors may have an inherent bias. Although the juror is supposed to be impartial, he or she may completely disregard your presumed innocence.

What is bench trial?

A bench trial is often chosen by the defendant in cases presenting with complex facts or legal subtleties. The judge of a bench trial is also provided with a stipulation of facts instead of the presentation of witness testimony and documentary evidence to determine the case facts.

How many people are on a jury?

The jury is typically made up of twelve individuals who must evaluate the evidence offered in the court case. They must weigh and discuss discrepancies in the presentation of evidence. At the start of the trial, the judge provides members of the jury with some instructions about their fact-finding role. However, in most trials, the judge is likely ...

Which amendment guarantees a speedy trial?

Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, all criminal defendants have the right to a jury trial. The defendant is guaranteed the legal right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury. During the voir dire phase of the trial, both the defense attorney and prosecutor asks potential jurors questions under oath in order ...

Who is Brett Podolsky?

The decision to choose a bench trial or jury trial can affect the outcome of your case, sometimes in profound ways. Brett Podolsky is Texas board-certified in criminal law and is a former Assistant Criminal District Attorney for the state of Texas.

Do jurors have bias?

Jurors may have an inherent bias. Although the juror is supposed to be impartial, he or she may completely disregard your presumed innocence. Before deciding whether a bench trial or a jury trial is best for you, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. You need advice on how to proceed.

Is a bench trial better than a jury trial?

There might be other reasons to choose a bench trial, such as: A jury trial is likely to take more time and, most of the time costs more than a bench trial.

What is an appeal in civil court?

Appeal - An application to a higher court for review of an order of conviction or of a civil judgment against a party.

What is an adjudication?

Adjudication - Judgment rendered by the court after a determination of the issues. Ad Litem - A Latin term meaning “for the purpose of the lawsuit.”. For example, a guardian “ad litem” is a person appointed by the court to protect the interests of a minor or legally incompetent person in a lawsuit.

What is acceptance in UCC?

Acceptance – An unambiguous communication that the offer has been accepted. For contracts controlled by the UCC, contracts involving the sales of goods need not mirror the offer’s terms. For other contracts, the acceptance must mirror the offer’s terms without omitting, adding, or altering terms.

What is an appeal bond?

Appeal Bond - A sum of money posted by a person appealing a judicial decision (appellant). Appearance – (1) The formal proceeding by which a defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court. (2) A written notification to the plaintiff by an attorney stating that s/he is representing the defendant.

What is an arrest warrant?

Arrest Warrant – An order by a judge that gives permission for a police officer to arrest a person for allegedly committing a crime. Assault - Threat to inflict injury with an apparent ability to do so. Also, any intentional display of force that would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

What is bail in court?

Bail - Cash or surety posted to procure the release of a defendant in a criminal proceeding by insuring his/her future attendance in court, and compelling him/her to remain within the jurisdiction of the court.

What is the bar in law?

Bar – (1) Historically, the partition separating the general public from the space occupied by the judges, lawyers, and other participants in a trial. (2) More commonly, the body of lawyers within a jurisdiction.

What Is A Bench Trial?

  • In a criminal proceeding in state court, a defendant may face a jury trial or a bench trial. A jury trial is a trial before a jury of 6 or 12 people who, after hearing the evidence and legal arguments, decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him. At a jury trial, the judge must rule on the procedural and evidentiary issues such as who can testify, what witnesse…
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

A Jury Trial Or A Bench Trial?

  • In most states, a defendant is entitled to a jury trial if he faces the possibility of more than six months in jail. If you are charged with simple assault, for instance, and the possible penalty is only 30 days in jail, you would not be entitled to a jury trial. Your case will be tried at a bench trial. In federal court, defendants are entitled to a jury trial for any felony and any charge that carries a p…
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

Procedure at A Bench Trial

  • As in a jury trial, the prosecutor in a bench trial must present evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime(s) charged. The prosecutor must call witnesses to testify, present any physical evidence such as photographs, clothing, or results of tests like a breath or blood alcohol test in a DUI case, and argue any legal issues. The defense c…
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

The Value of Legal Representation

  • If you are facing criminal charges and need to decide between a bench or jury trial, your best option is to be represented by counselas early as possible in the criminal process. A local attorney who has experience in the court in which your case is being tried can identify the specific advantages or disadvantages to a bench trial or jury trial in that court, give you meaningful advic…
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com