What is the primary role of a judge in a non-jury trial?

• A. Be impartial, trier of the fact in the absence of a jury
• B. Interpret the law only
• C. Represent the defendant
• D. Issue warrants

Answer: (A)

In a bench (non-jury) trial, there is no jury to decide the facts, so the judge must be the neutral decision-maker of both fact and law. The judge evaluates the evidence, determines what facts are established, and decides credibility of witnesses. At the same time, they interpret and apply the law to those facts to reach a ruling. This combination—impartial fact-finding in the absence of a jury and legal application—is why the judge’s primary role in a non-jury trial is to be the trier of fact and ensure fair, lawful decision-making. Representing the defendant or issuing warrants are not the judge’s duties in deciding the case.