Litigation Graphics in Washington DC - A2L Litigation Consultants Voted Top in Jury Consulting, Litigation Graphics and Courtroom Trial Technicians

Although a defendant has the constitutional right to a trial by jury, this is not always the best way to proceed during the litigation process. In fact, making the choice between a trial by jury or a electing a bench trial (judge only) can truly be the difference between a guilty or not guilty judgment. With the right choice and professional litigation graphics, Washington DC defendants can enter the courtroom with confidence.

Careful consideration must be given to your decision to elect a judge or jury. In order to make the best choice for your situation, it's important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages. If you are feeling uncertain about the underlying differences between a bench or jury trial, here is a quick crash course to assist you in making an educated decision.

Trial By Jury

The most obvious reason for electing to proceed with a trial by jury is to achieve an emotional decision. On the whole, jurors will be far more likely to respond to your case with empathy and in a sympathetic state of mind. In short, a jury will more typically be swayed by emotions than they will by hard evidence presented by attorneys and smooth talking legal mumbo jumbo. 

In addition, a jury panel will also respond well to quality litigation graphics. Washington DC area defendants and their attorneys can visually appeal to their jurors and boost their comprehension and interest in the case by using charts, graphs, and other visual evidence. In fact, it has been proven that both attention to detail and recall are improved when the best litigation graphics Washington DC has to offer are utilized throughout the trail.

Of course, some may feel that the emotional nature of a jury panel could affect their case negatively. A jury, unlike a judge, is not equipped with a long background or education in law. It should be noted, however, that jurors are instructed on the law relevant to their case prior to the trial. In this way, your jury panel can still make an educated decision. In addition, most jurors take their role and duties seriously and are very responsible. On the whole, juries try their hardest to do what they are supposed to do.

Trial By Judge

One of the biggest perks for selecting to go through the litigation process with a bench trial is that you can generally count on the fact that there will be much less time involved. Because there is no need for jury selection, you can expect a bench trial to be somewhat more expedited. A judge's experience and education will also play a role in achieving a quicker judgment.

Another benefit to to a bench trial is that a judge is far more informed and intuitive with regards to legal matters than a jury panel is. A judge is more likely to be able to evaluate the validity of eye witness and subjective or wishy washy evidence. Because a judge will have deeper understanding and appreciation for strong litigation graphics, Washington DC lawyers and defendants can greatly benefit from utilizing visual evidence during a bench trial. 

In addition to everything else, a judge is held to a code of judicial ethics. Whereas there is a possibility of a jury making decisions based on their personal feelings, a judge is required to make a fair, unbiased decision based upon the evidence presented to him or her. If a judge feels that he or she may not be able to be completely impartial throughout a case, they are required by law to remove themselves from the situation.