Bench Trials May Be Partial Solution To Case Backlog During Pandemic

The backlog of cases in the Bexar County Criminal Justice System may be partially relieved by the use of bench trials. In-person jury trials are called off until further notice because of the pandemic, resulting in the backlog. A bench trial is a court proceeding in which the judge serves as both the judge and jury. Local Administrative Judge Ron Rangel said on Monday that it's an efficient procedure, and he believes most judges would welcome it during the pandemic. A bench trial requires an agreement from the state and the defense.


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