In a bench trial, who hears the trial and determines guilt?

In a bench trial, who hears the trial and determines guilt?

• A. JURY
• B. JUDGE
• C. PROSECUTION
• D. DEFENDANT

Answer: (B)

In a bench trial, the judge serves as the one who hears the case and decides guilt. There is no jury, so the judge acts as the trier of fact, weighing the evidence, evaluating witness credibility, and applying the law to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The prosecution presents the case and the defendant defends it, but neither determines guilt by themselves—the judge does in a bench trial. This is different from a jury trial, where a group of jurors determines guilt under the judge’s rulings on law.

In a bench trial, the judge serves as the one who hears the case and decides guilt. There is no jury, so the judge acts as the trier of fact, weighing the evidence, evaluating witness credibility, and applying the law to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The prosecution presents the case and the defendant defends it, but neither determines guilt by themselves—the judge does in a bench trial. This is different from a jury trial, where a group of jurors determines guilt under the judge’s rulings on law.