What is a bench conference?

• A. A public hearing with the jury present.
• B. A conference with the court reporter only.
• C. A private discussion between judge and attorneys to discuss rulings or evidence concerns.
• D. A pretrial scheduling meeting with the parties.

Answer: (C)

A bench conference is a private discussion at the judge’s bench between the judge and the attorneys to work through rulings or concerns about evidence during a trial. These talks occur away from the jury to keep strategy and sensitive matters from influencing the proceedings and to resolve objections, admissibility questions, or privilege issues efficiently. After the discussion, the judge may announce the ruling in court, and the trial continues. This isn’t a public hearing with the jury, nor a meeting limited to the court reporter, nor a pretrial scheduling conference.