What describes the role of the judge in a bench trial?

• A. The judge presides and decides the case without a jury.
• B. The jury decides the verdict.
• C. The judge issues scheduling orders.
• D. The court appoints defense counsel.

Answer: (A)

In a bench trial, there is no jury, so the judge acts as the trier of fact and decides the case. The judge weighs the evidence, assesses witness credibility, and applies the law to the facts to reach a final ruling. This is what distinguishes a bench trial from a jury trial, where a jury determines the verdict while the judge handles legal rulings. Administrative duties like issuing scheduling orders or appointing defense counsel exist in court practice, but they do not define the judge’s essential role in deciding the case in a bench trial.