Are Bench Trials faster than Jury Trials?
January 27th, 2008 | by admin |Bench trials are also generally faster than jury trials if for no other reason than that it is not necessary to undergo the time consuming process of selecting a jury, answering all their legal questions, providing instructions, and waiting for them to reach a verdict. It's important to note that the bench trial or jury decision is not entirely left to the defendant. The prosecuting attorney also has the right to present his or her case in front of a jury. So even if the defendant waives the right to a jury trial in favor of a bench trial, the request for a bench trial must be approved by the prosecutor in the case. The prosecutor is not likely to agree to a bench trial in cases where the presiding judge has been inclined to acquit defendants in the past. A defense attorney Chicago or anywhere has any say in the matter.
