What is a Non-Jury Trial?

A non-jury trial is a legal proceeding in which a judge or panel of judges hears evidence and renders a verdict, without a jury. In other words, there is no group of laypeople selected to decide the case. Instead, the decision is made solely by the judge or judges.

Non-jury trials are common in certain types of cases, such as small claims, traffic violations, and certain criminal offenses. They are also used in civil cases where the parties have agreed to waive their right to a jury trial.

In a non-jury trial, the judge hears all the evidence presented by both sides and makes a decision based on the law and the facts of the case. The judge may also consider written statements or testimony from witnesses, as well as physical evidence and other relevant information.

One advantage of a non-jury trial is that it can be faster and less expensive than a jury trial. Additionally, the judge may have more expertise in the area of law being applied to the case, which could lead to a more informed decision. However, some people may feel that a jury trial provides an added layer of protection against bias and ensures that the decision is made by a group of impartial individuals.