Who typically participates in a bench conference?

• A. The judge and jurors.
• B. The judge and attorneys.
• C. The court reporter and bailiff.
• D. The plaintiff and defendant only.

Answer: (B)

Bench conferences are private discussions at the judge’s bench where the judge and the attorneys discuss procedural and evidentiary issues away from the jury. The judge runs the proceedings and the attorneys (counsel for the parties) participate to raise objections, outline motions, or clarify rulings. The jury is not typically present during these conferences. While the court reporter may record what is said and the bailiff helps maintain order, they are not the primary participants in the discussion. That focus on judge and attorneys is why this choice best fits the typical bench conference.