What is a Juryless Trial?

A juryless trial, also known as a bench trial, is a trial in which the judge hears all the evidence and renders the verdict, without a jury. In other words, there is no panel of laypeople (the jury) to decide the outcome of the case; instead, the judge makes the decision based on the evidence presented in court.

In a juryless trial, the judge may hear evidence from witnesses, review documents and other exhibits, and listen to arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The judge then deliberates and reaches a verdict, which is typically based on a preponderance of the evidence.

Juryless trials are less common in criminal cases, where the right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, they are more common in civil cases, such as disputes over contracts or personal injury claims. In some jurisdictions, juryless trials may be mandatory for certain types of cases or at the discretion of the judge.