bench verdict

[/bɛntʃ ˈvɜrdɪkt/]
nounpl: bench verdicts
sentença proferida pelo juiz
1. A judgment or decision rendered by a judge sitting without a jury, based solely on the judge's interpretation of the law and facts presented
The defendant waived his right to a jury trial and requested a bench verdict instead.
O réu renunciou ao seu direito a um julgamento por júri e solicitou uma sentença proferida pelo juiz.
2. In a bench trial, the verdict delivered by the judge after hearing all evidence and legal arguments
The judge announced her bench verdict after three days of testimony.
O juiz anunciou sua sentença após três dias de depoimentos.
In the United States legal system, a bench verdict represents a significant alternative to jury trials. Defendants may choose bench trials in civil and criminal cases, particularly when they believe judicial expertise or impartiality is preferable to jury decision-making. In Brazil, while the concept exists, juries (júris) are less commonly used in civil matters, making judicial verdicts the standard practice. This term is primarily used by legal professionals and appears frequently in court documents and legal discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
judicial verdictjudge's verdictcourt verdictbench decisionbench judgment
Antonyms / Antônimos
jury verdictjury decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sentença proferida pelo juiz
Standard legal terminology in Brazilian courts
Portugal
decisão do juiz
Portuguese legal system uses slightly different terminology
United States
bench verdict
Common in American legal system where defendants can waive jury trial rights

Related Words

bench trialjury trialverdictjudgmentwaiverjudgeadjudication

Related Idioms & Phrases

waive jury trial in favor of a bench verdict
render a bench verdict
appeal a bench verdict
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