Which statement about bench trials is true?

Which statement about bench trials is true?

• A. If a mistrial is declared, the case must be tried within two days.
• B. Docket call is when the court determines if all the prospective jurors appeared.
• C. In a bench trial, the judge renders judgment.
• D. If a jury finds a defendant not guilty, the defendant is still liable for the costs of the trial.

Answer: (C)

In a bench trial, the judge acts as the trier of fact and the decision-maker on both questions of law and fact. With no jury, the judge weighs the evidence, resolves credibility, and then issues the ruling—that is, the judgment—based on what was proven. That is why this statement is true: the judge renders judgment in a bench trial. The other statements don’t fit the typical process. A mistrial isn’t bound by a two-day rule to retry the case; retrial timing depends on court schedules and case specifics. Docket call is about scheduling and administrative matters, not about determining whether all prospective jurors appeared—that aspect belongs to jury selection and voir dire. And if a jury acquits, the defendant is not typically liable for trial costs, since costs usually follow the party that bears the loss, and an acquittal means the state did not prevail.

In a bench trial, the judge acts as the trier of fact and the decision-maker on both questions of law and fact. With no jury, the judge weighs the evidence, resolves credibility, and then issues the ruling—that is, the judgment—based on what was proven. That is why this statement is true: the judge renders judgment in a bench trial.

The other statements don’t fit the typical process. A mistrial isn’t bound by a two-day rule to retry the case; retrial timing depends on court schedules and case specifics. Docket call is about scheduling and administrative matters, not about determining whether all prospective jurors appeared—that aspect belongs to jury selection and voir dire. And if a jury acquits, the defendant is not typically liable for trial costs, since costs usually follow the party that bears the loss, and an acquittal means the state did not prevail.