Legal Definitions - state trial

A state trial is a formal judicial examination of evidence and determination of legal claims in an adversary proceeding. It can take different forms, such as:

• Bench trial: A trial before a judge without a jury. The judge decides questions of fact as well as questions of law.
• Jury trial: A trial in which the factual issues are determined by a jury, not by the judge.
• Bifurcated trial: A trial that is divided into two stages, such as for guilt and punishment or for liability and damages.
• Separate trial: The individual trial of each of several persons jointly accused of a crime.

For example, in a jury trial, a group of citizens is selected to hear the evidence presented by both sides and decide the outcome of the case. In a bench trial, the judge acts as both the fact-finder and the decision-maker. In a bifurcated trial, the first stage may determine guilt or liability, and the second stage may determine punishment or damages. In a separate trial, each defendant is tried individually for the same crime.

State trials are an important part of the legal system, as they provide a fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes and determining the guilt or innocence of those accused of crimes.