In trials, what is the judge's role?

In trials, what is the judge's role?

• A. Finder of the Facts
• B. Bailiff
• C. Court Reporter
• D. Finder of the Law

Answer: (D)

Think of the judge as the person who handles the law. A judge interprets statutes and legal rules, rules on objections and the admissibility of evidence, and presides over the trial while instructing the jury on the applicable law. In a trial with a jury, the jury determines the facts—what actually happened and what the evidence shows—while the judge decides how the law applies to those facts. In a bench trial, the judge does both roles. The bailiff maintains order and safety, and the court reporter records everything said for the official transcript. Because the main task is deciding what the law requires in light of the evidence, the judge is the Finder of the Law.

Think of the judge as the person who handles the law. A judge interprets statutes and legal rules, rules on objections and the admissibility of evidence, and presides over the trial while instructing the jury on the applicable law. In a trial with a jury, the jury determines the facts—what actually happened and what the evidence shows—while the judge decides how the law applies to those facts. In a bench trial, the judge does both roles. The bailiff maintains order and safety, and the court reporter records everything said for the official transcript. Because the main task is deciding what the law requires in light of the evidence, the judge is the Finder of the Law.