Who oversees cases during a bench trial?

In a bench trial, a single judge is responsible for overseeing the case. This includes making decisions on the admissibility of evidence, ruling on legal motions, and ultimately deciding the verdict based on the facts presented. Unlike a jury trial, where a jury of peers evaluates the evidence and renders a verdict, the judge in a bench trial takes on the roles typically divided between a judge and a jury. This allows for a more streamlined process, as the judge is trained in the law and can often navigate complex legal arguments more efficiently.

The other options do not apply to bench trials. A jury of peers is only involved in jury trials, while a panel of judges and the attorney general do not preside over a bench trial's proceedings.