What is a key difference between a jury trial and a bench trial?

In a bench trial, the judge serves as the sole decision-maker, meaning that the judge decides both the facts of the case as well as the applicable law. This contrasts with a jury trial, where a group of jurors is responsible for determining the facts and rendering the verdict based on those facts, while the judge oversees the legal proceedings and makes rulings on the law.

The role of the judge in a bench trial allows for a potentially quicker resolution since there is no jury selection process and the judge can reach a verdict without the need for deliberation among jurors. This option highlights the essential characteristic of a bench trial, distinguishing it from a jury trial where the responsibility for the verdict does not rest solely with the judge.